Help towards child care cost

[Dee59]

My son and his partner have 3 children (6 mnts - 5 yrs). Because of my son's hours being cut at work, his partner is looking for part-time work. The oldest is in full time education but would need help with childcare for the two youngest children, Would my son and his partner be eligible for any financial assistance towards childcare costs for a nursery place etc?

[onlyme26]

yes they will beable to claim child tax credits, if they put a claim in together and earn under a certain amount, ( its something really high like �40k a year, i forget what the actual limit is)
then they will pay "up to" 70% of childcare costs,

if you go on to the taxcredits website there is a calculator, this offers an approximate amount they would get.

[Vics128]

From the term after a childs third birthday, they receive nursery vouchers, which would enable them to 5 lots of 2 and a1/2 hours of childcare a week in term time. Also if both parents work over 16 hours a week, they should be entitled to working tax credits, as long as there joint income does not exceed 57k (I think its this much, I know its pretty high though!!)
Hope this is helpfull!

[Dee59]

Thank you for your help.

Do you know if this includes Surestart?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Surestart are included. They are also one of the best places to go for information about how to claim for benefits and free childcare places.

[k8bailey]

tax credits aren't that good but every little helps. Me and my partner are both under 25 have a 9monh old baby and our own home. He works 40hrs per week, I work 15, our joint anual income is less than 25k all we're entitled to is �16 a week child tax credit and no help with child care which costs more than �60 for two days!

this might help:
http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qua lify/DIQHousehold.aspx

[bednobs]

also, depending ont he hours your d-i-l gets, it might be if your son has his hours cut, he could look after the kids, then they wont have to pay anything!

[Dee59]

Thanks all - its all so confusing, but helpful. I will pass on your advice to them.

[mamatwo]

Hi - they will only get help with childcare costs if they are both working over 16 hours per week. If not they may be entitled to other tax credit assistance based on the level of joint income.