TENS of thousands of tax credits claimants across Gwent are being urged renew their claims before the deadline on July 31.

Rather than leaving a claim until the last minute, claimants are being asked to act as soon as they receive a renewal pack from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

“The sooner you renew, the sooner we can check your payments are right so that you won’t have to pay money back.

“It’s simple – if you don’t renew your claim before July 31, your paymentsmay stop,” said Steve Lamey, HMRC’s director of benefits and credits. He is also urging claimants to take care when renewing tax credits as errors could mean they receive less than they are entitled to.

HMRC is examining claims particularly closely this year.

The focus is on claimants’ statements on employment, self-employment, hours worked, childcare and children, as well as any other details that have changed.

The tax credits helpline is 0845 300 3900.

Help and information on tax credit renewals can also be obtained from www.hmrc .gov.uk/taxc r e d i t s / keep-up-to-date/renew-claim/index. htm