Can anyone put to me in plain English how this system works, I currently receive family tax credit but not working tax credit as I assume I earn too much.  My daughter has been cared for for the last few months by my son who has now fled the nest to move in with girlyfriend!  I've been to visit a childminder tonight who told me her fees and then said that 70% could be claimed back through Tax Credits.  Is this only for low income parents or everyone???

I'm totally confused now!  I've tried their website and find it difficult to understand if I am entitled to the percentage back through using a registered childminder or not?

If anyone can clarify this a.s.a.p it will help with my decision of whether to send her to the childminder or try and find a part time job that will fit in with school hours which incidentally I know are like gold dust.

Many thanks in advance.

It depends on the cost of the childcare and the income of the parents (both salaries are counted if you both work more than 30hrs a week).
But the truth is that if you earn more than £25k between you then you are not entitled any extra help towards childcare costs except for the basic childcare credit.

This was the last time I heard anything about it but it may have changed recently.

Might be worth looking at the IR site as they have calculators on their to show you what you would be entitled to.

http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/menus/credits.htm

HTH

Lucy
xx

i would say the best thing to do it give the Inland R.... a phone call.
sorry but i dont know the number but they could tell you tes or no right away

I work in tax and I still dont understand it! I think you will probably be able to claim, its not related to working tax credit, its completly seperate.  Provided household income <c50k you will be able to claim something.

Hi Craigles

On their website did you do the bit that said "are you entitled?", you fill in all your details and earnings ect and it calculates what you are entitled to. You can use a registered childminder but as other posters have said it depends on how much you earn - as far as I could work out working tax credit is only for low income families.

Nikki

www.entitledto.co.uk

Craigles - the childcare element of your benefits is paid via Child Tax Credit.  You CAN claim back most of the cost of childcare so give the Inland Revenue a call.

I still feel that Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit is a mess and I cannot get concrete information on how they work their calculations out. I need to inform them of an adjustment to my childcare costs and I am dreading it as it often means disruption to income for weeks on end.

Keep records of the date/time/name of everyone you speak to and write everything down.  Get them to repeat what they have recorded on THEIR system too.

Good Luck.

Hi Jackyjat

When you say you can can claim most of the childcare costs back via the Inland Revenue how does this work? When I started my part time job and half of my wages go in child care I informed the child tax credit people and my payments went up a staggering £4 and I thought that was it, is there somewhere else I can claim? Its so confusing.

Nikki

Nikki could this be because you don't use an approved and registered provider for your childcare?

With working tax credit you receive 70% of your childcare costs.   Give them a ring and ask them why you don't get help. 

I do agree it is confusing.

Jacky

Hi

No I use an approved provider, will ring them on Monday and find out.

Nikki