WTC and child care for full time students

Buttonmoon_2

I think I know the answer this question about WTC and child care (a big fat NO) but just in case there is the tiniest glimmer of hope I am wrong I thought that I would see if anyone knows the answer...

I took redundancy in October when I was due to finish work to have my first baby knowing that I would be returning to full time study in September 2009. My study is full time to be a midwife and so I will be working on placements up to 37 hours per week. To do this I will obviously need child care and have made those arrangements already with family and a registered nursery.

My question is whilst I won't be paid on placement am I eligible to claim for child care from the WTC as I will be 'working' more than 16 hrs per week?

I suspect it will be no because the 'work' is not salaried and as part of my NHS bursary to study I should get a small amount towards child care.

Thanks in advance to anyone able to help and a BIG thanks to anyone who tells me that I am (genuinely) wrong in my assumption.

MrsManda

You may be able to get childcare grants and child tax credits dependent on your personal circumstances. For more information see HERE

boo304

Hi,

You will need to apply for financial help with your childcare through the NHS bursary scheme (NHSBSA), you won't get WTC because, as you correctly assume, you are not in employment. You will get CTC though.

I think (but don't quote me on it!) that the bursary for childcare is more generous than WTC anyway - 85% as opposed to 75% of the full childcare costs. The best thing you can do is to go and see an adviser at the student support office in your uni. They know all the rules and will work it out for you and give you the figures for anything you are eligible for. Good luck!