Chilcare Element of Tax Credits Query

LizzieS_2

You will remain entitled to working tax credits (excluding childcare in this instance) during ordinary maternity leave. If you take additional maternity leave (after SMP expires) then you will only get the CTC elements, as WTC elements would be based purely on OH's hours (doesn't qualify for 5 hours).

If you are unable to get help through the university with childcare, there is another alternative - childcare vouchers. 2 things to consider here:
1) Does your employer operate the scheme, and if not would they be willing to set one up (they save on employers NI).
2) Sometimes employers allow you to join/leave at set times of the year - consider what your OH may be working during any tie-ins as you cannot claim childcare via tax credits at the same time.

prophecy_grrl

scotty1971 - cheers I will leave it till I go back to work and look into it then

LizzieS - thanks for this, I have today filled in an online application for my employers childcare voucher scheme and have been advised that i can also join the salary sacrifice scheme in September. DH will be f/t on his PhD till summer of 2010 so it won't affect TC I don't think

Oooh, I love being organised in advance!

prophecy_grrl

Violetta - the second link you posted for the Hero site has stopped working for some reason, can you post again please?

Thanks

[Deleted User]

prophecy_grrl, when you start taking part in the salary sacrifice scheme you should contact TCO. They will give you information on how to declare that you are taking part in the salary sacrifice scheme.

You may get a little bit more in your tax credits because if the scheme is approved by HMRC you don't need to declare the money you spend on the vouchers when you are declaring your earnings at the end of the year on your annual renewal form.

prophecy_grrl

Thanks subsoniccoyote, I will make a diary note to contact them in September. I think the scheme is recognised, I work as a civil servant, and the scheme provider is Accor - I'll call them and ask if they're recognised

zoezoe_3

prophecy_grrl wrote: »

Hi
I work F?T but am on M/L at the minute, and will be going back to work P?T 30hrs p/w in September. My DH is in F?T education doing a PhD for which he gets a tax free bursary. He also works 5 hours a week during term time as an hourly paid lecturer.

We filled in the forms for tax credits and are getting about £20 a week (whcih is great), but have been told we can't get the childacre element cos heonly works taxable hours of 5 hours a week, and needs to work 16 hrs minimum for childcare elemen.


I'd be really grafteul for any help - the work of tax credits is a nightmare, confuses me to tears!!!

Thanks x

If you are on ML then you should complete the form with the hours you usually work. You are still counted as employed and will get the same tax credits as if you were still working. ML does not affect your working status on any level.

zoezoe_3

Just foudn this to back upi what I said...

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/TAXCREDITS/mat-pat-adopt.htm

thanks

Violetta_2

prophecy_grrl wrote: »

Violetta - the second link you posted for the Hero site has stopped working for some reason, can you post again please?

Thanks

http://www.hero.ac.uk/uk/studying/funding_your_study/sources_of_help/childcare_and_help_with_other_dependents.cfm