THOUSANDS of Hertfordshire residents are in danger of missing out on new tax credits, warns Hertfordshire County Council's money advice unit.

Working tax credit and the child tax credit were both introduced in April, but they have to be claimed and many people could miss out if they do not act soon.

Working tax credit is for employed or self-employed people on a low income, with or without children. Child tax credit is an income-related benefit paid to people with one or more children.

Neither tax credits are paid automatically people have to contact the Inland Revenue and make a claim.

County Councillor Michael Janes said: "It's very important that people are aware of these changes.

"They may be eligible for the child tax credit even if they have a family income of up to around £58,000, or £66,000, if they have a child under one, and I don't think they realise that.

"It will definitely be worth their while to check. People who may not have seen themselves as benefit claimants in the past cannot afford to overlook this one."

The Money Advice Unit has organised a programme of briefing seminars, speaking to more than 80 delegates from more than 35 different statutory and voluntary organisations in Hertfordshire about the new tax credits.

It has also provided training for many local organisations, including Citizens Advice Bureaux.

The county council's Money Advice Unit has also produced a fact sheet on the new tax credits, which is available by calling 01438 737555. People can also get advice by logging on to http://www.hertsdirect.org/benefits.

Advice on tax credits and claims forms is available by ringing the Inland Revenue helpline on 0845 300900 or visiting http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk.

The two new tax credits replace children's tax credit, working families' tax credit, disabled persons' tax credit, new deal 50 plus, child elements of income support and income based job seekers allowance and child-dependent increases of non means-tested benefits.