Claiming after child has left nursery

kingici

Hi,

My daughter has just left nursery to start school part time. My tax credits as far as I understand will continue to be paid until I inform them of the change in circumstances.

What I want to know is do I have to inform them straight away? In other words, when I do eventually tell them, will they check with the nursery when she did actually leave or will they just accept any date that I tell them?

And if they do find out that the date I gave them was wrong, would they just add this to the overpayments or will they take further action?

Any help will be greatly received.

cw18

According to the renewal pack you MUST let them know within one month of any change in childcare costs (or loss of registration of your child-care provider).

But if your costs have gone down it says "we will only reduce your award after the first four weeks of the change", so you'll get the old amount for the first four weeks anyway.

bargainbird

If you delay telling them, you will end up owing them :eek:

kingici

One thing I forgot to mention is my partner has an illness which leaves her unable to get around for weeks on end, and during this time we would have to think about placing our daughter back in nursery. This is the main reason I don't want to have to stop the tax credits until she starts in school full time. What I need to know is when we do stop the tax credits, do they check with the nursery on the date that she actually left?

cw18

they CAN check with the nursery, as you have to supply their registration number so they know who you are paying.

but I don't see why you couldn't get the childcare element restarted when needed if you're entitled to it with a parent at home

pennypinching_2

I think they do random checks. I know they have written to my childminder for information, I couldnt image they do this for everyone.