Paying for Childcare
Childcare may seem costly, but before you decide you cannot afford it, remember that most families are entitled to financial help. This help includes:
| Child Tax Credit | Child Tax Credit supports families with children. You can claim whether or not you are in work. All families with children and with income of up to £58,000 a year (or up to £66,000 a year if there is a child under one year old) can claim the credit in the same way. Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children. It may be used to cover your childcare costs, but it is not specifically a payment for childcare. |
| Working Tax Credit | Working Tax Credit supports working people (whether employed or self employed) on low incomes by topping up their earnings. Working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours or more a week. Couples -- if both of you are working 16 hours or more a week -- must choose which one of you will receive it. You cannot receive Working Tax Credit if you are not working. |
| Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit | With the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit you may be able to get extra help with the costs of registered or approved childcare. The maximum share of costs met in the childcare element of the working tax credit is 80%. Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit do not affect Child Benefit payments, which are paid separately. |
| HELPLINE |
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ABOVE CONTACT THE INLAND REVENUE AND TAX CREDIT HELPLINE ON 0845 3003900 |
| Assisted places and Helping Hands Schemes | These schemes provide extra money to childcare providers and/or families on low income or specific benefits so that they can afford quality childcare. Some of theses schemes enable providers to offer a fully inclusive service for all children regardless of needs. For details of schemes within your area contact your local CIS |
| Free part-time education for all 3 year olds | In addition, remember that all 3 year olds are entitled to free part-time early education places during the term following their 3rd birthday. |
| Childcare vouchers from some employers |
Finally, some employers may help you cover the cost of childcare by giving you vouchers. One of the voucher providers is: take a look and get an idea of how the system works; but remember that each employer uses different systems and voucher schemes, so check with them first. |