Workers who benefit from tax credits have been warned they face having their payments stopped if they fail to renew their claim ahead of the July 31 deadline.

Tax credits help working families by providing them with targeted financial support.

And, with the deadline just a few days away, bosses at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are urging people not to leave the renewal process until the last minute.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “The July 31 deadline is fast approaching and renewing your tax credits is too important to forget.

“HMRC support is available at all times of the day and night via gov.uk and the smartphone app to help customers get their renewals right.

“I urge those who are yet to renew to do so as soon as possible, in order to avoid having their payments stopped.”

Any claimant who has experienced a change in circumstances that could affect their tax credits must report this to HMRC.

This could include changes to living arrangements, childcare, working hours or income.