working for a childminder and help with childcare fees

scotty1971

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

At the moment you pay nothing for this service; however, if you can get somebody else to pay for it, it'll suddenly become a business. It may not be illegal, but it's definitely crooked!

the name oldernotwiser says it all!

Oldernotwiser

scotty1971 wrote: »

the name oldernotwiser says it all!

Perhaps some of us just have higher moral standards.

I also think that when you've been a member for longer you'll realise that making quips about people's usernames is considered to be very poor netiquette.

scotty1971

and as a long standing member,maybe you shouldn't act as judge a jury!

Oldernotwiser

scotty1971 wrote: »

and as a long standing member,maybe you shouldn't act as judge a jury!

Many people on here post suggestions that are fraudulent and it's normal for the more experienced members to point this out to them.

SomeBozo

I'm with oldernotwiser here.

Where there is a blatent attempts at fraud, or even skirting round the edges, its clear that it should be challenged.

(Though I am not saying this about the OP as its a area I know little about).

Bozo

cw18

but this isn't fraud. no-one is trying to hide anything.

the OP was trying to decide if she could afford to take a job she's been offered -- and all I did was point out clauses that mean the tax credit would still be payable (as I understand the rules)

subsoniccoyote confirmed it's perfectly legitimate for a family member to be paid in part by tax credits, as long as they are registered and have at least one other non-family 'client'


the fact that there is a way you can claim when children are looked after by family is a little know fact -- and most people just say "you're not allowed to claim in order to pay family" which is incorrect but taken as gospel.

scotty1971

i'm with you cw18,
maybe if there is someone who works with the TCO,could post an answer,as they are the experts in this field.

no offence was meant oldernotwiser

cw18

from the replies I think subsoniccoyote works TCO.

[Deleted User]

luv-my-job wrote: »

Ok, thanks. My sis looks after my 2 during school holidays etc .Money doesn't come into it, as it's family, so I like to repay her kindness in other ways, gifts, babysitting etc. If she was registered and had another child in her care , does that mean she could actually get paid through tax credits childcare thingy? I'm not even sure she'd want to commit to it as a "proper" job but just thought I'd ask?

Thanks

If your sister went through all the proper channels to become a registered childcare provider you may get help towards costs from TCO.

But this isnt easy. Your sister will need relevant qualifications/experience to become registered. She would also need to register as self employed.

Remember that she must look after your children away from their own home and she must look after at least one other child - proving that she is running a business and not just trying to diddle some extra tax credits.

Everything must be totally legit because there could be random (or not so random) compliance checks in to you claiming help towards childcare costs.
Because you are related you would need to be extra careful with the rules.

It is easy for HMRC/TCO to look in to the details as they have access to childcare providers details, self assessment records, PAYE records, employer records.....

So to sum up - it is not fraudulent or crooked to get help towards paying your sister to look after your children providing everything is done correctly and above board.

luv-my-job

subsoniccoyote wrote: »

If your sister went through all the proper channels to become a registered childcare provider you may get help towards costs from TCO.

But this isnt easy. Your sister will need relevant qualifications/experience to become registered. She would also need to register as self employed.

Remember that she must look after your children away from their own home and she must look after at least one other child - proving that she is running a business and not just trying to diddle some extra tax credits.

Everything must be totally legit because there could be random (or not so random) compliance checks in to you claiming help towards childcare costs.
Because you are related you would need to be extra careful with the rules.

It is easy for HMRC/TCO to look in to the details as they have access to childcare providers details, self assessment records, PAYE records, employer records.....

So to sum up - it is not fraudulent or crooked to get help towards paying your sister to look after your children providing everything is done correctly and above board.

Thank for the clarification. Perhaps oldernotwiser will finally "get it". (though, perhaps not! )
I'd posted previously, that my sister may not even be interested in becoming a childminder ... It was hypothetical .... turns out she wouldn't want to commit to this as a "job". She's a SAHM, her husband works and she's happy to continue helping out with my children as and when needed. So there won't be any need to pay childcare costs anyway Thanks for taking the time to post