Can I claim for increased childcare costs whilst on ML?

L-M

I know this sounds odd but could I put in a claim to tax credits for increased childcare costs whilst I'm still on maternity leave?

I'm just asking because my daughter is at a nursery that is quite hard to get places for, a space has come up on a day I really wanted to get her in (because of my working hours when I go back) but I have to take it straight away or I'll lose it.

So does anyone know if I can do this please?

Boppy_2

I doubt it as they'll argue your at home for now so you should be able to look after her. Best bet is to ring them.

L-M

Thanks boppy

I do agree with you in theory, and it does seem silly to be wanting more childcare when I'm at home lol! As I said though it's purely to secure the place for when I return to work in a few weeks

I will ring them, I was just trying to figure out where I stood before hand, thank you for replying

kei_2

Would be fine as long as you're on SMP and you return to work after the SMP, the system still classes you as working so it will take a rise in childcare costs regardless if someone is working over 16+ hours or being on SMP prior to working 16+ hours.

Assuming you qualify and costs don't go over the thresholds of what they pay out.

L-M

Thank you Kei that's great

I'm not on SMP I'm getting maternity allowance but I'm still classed as being in payed employment for the purposes of tax credits so I'm assuming the same rules apply?

kei_2

That would be correct

DaisyFlower

Childcare payments continue at the same rate (providing you meet the criteria) through standard maternity leave - 39 weeks.

Not sure if they will increase when you actually dont need extra childcare and are not actually contracted to work that day at present.

kei_2

Unless they have made a new system in the last year or so, which i would not assume not. They don't have a record of when people do and don't go to work.

[Deleted User]

Even if they knew the OP was on Maternity Leave it is still within the rules to claim childcare during this period and if the costs increase there is still nothing against the rules.