HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging the 20,100 people who receive tax credits across Cheshire East to renew their tax credits claim online as soon as possible ahead of the 31st July deadline.
People who don't renew by the deadline will have their payments stopped so it's vital they do it.
For the first time anyone can now renew online, regardless of what changes they have to make, whereas previously, large numbers of customers had to call us or renew by post.
When customers renew their claim, they must tell HMRC about any changes to their circumstances that they haven't already reported, including changes to working hours, childcare costs or income.
Everyone can notify HMRC of these changes on GOV.UK when they receive their pack and renew their claim. On average, it takes 10 to 20 minutes to renew online, depending on circumstances, but many renew their claim in just 6 minutes.
Nick Lodge, HMRC's Director General, Benefits and Credits, said: "This is an exceptionally busy time of the year for HMRC, as millions of people renew their tax credits. Phone lines may be very busy with long wait times possible. Using our online service means that you can renew at any time of the day or night, and on any device, without having to call us at all. Online help can also answer most queries or issues that you may have. We urge everyone who can to go online.
"People should check their details and renew early to ensure they get the right money. The sooner people renew their claim, the sooner we can check payments are correct, meaning we avoid paying too little money, or too much, which claimants then have to be pay back."
Online help and information on tax credits renewals is available on GOV.UK or via HMRC's customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers.
