childcare tax credits and only one parent working

katiesmummy

i am looking for work atm as my oh is unable to work for some time due to broken legs. i had a look on entitled to and the ir website, but it seems that you can only get childcare element if both parents are working- are there exceptions to this rule? obviously oh is in no position to look after the kids

thanks in advance

codwidow

Hi

I think if you were both originally working and claiming the childcare element and your OH is in employment which he has taken sick leave from you would get it, if he is a contractor for example or self employed I dont think it would be the same.

Because one of you is at home they will not see the need for childcare but obviously this is not the case if your OH has two broken legs

karenx

The 2 of you needs to be working 16 hours plus per week in order to claim for the childcare element. As they will see it as 1 parent not working so they should be looking after the child/ren

nottslass_2

Is your OH still technically employed and receiving sick pay ? IF so then you can still carry on claiming then childcare element of Tax credits (I'm pretty sure you can claim for 26 weeks - but do check)

katiesmummy

karenx wrote: »

The 2 of you needs to be working 16 hours plus per week in order to claim for the childcare element. As they will see it as 1 parent not working so they should be looking after the child/ren

nottslass wrote: »

Is your OH still technically employed and receiving sick pay ? IF so then you can still carry on claiming then childcare element of Tax credits (I'm pretty sure you can claim for 26 weeks - but do check)

oh is self-employed so he doesn't get sick pay, so i guess the answer to my question is no!

thanks for your help

codwidow

it doesnt sound good but it might be worth a phonecall seems a bit harsh if he is self employed as he is still paying income tax like everyone else

shykins

he could claim incapacity benefit even if he is self employed

HTH

sunnyone

shykins wrote: »

he could claim incapacity benefit even if he is self employed

HTH

Incapasity dosnt exist anymore and ESA (its replacement) is a much more difficult benefit to get and a broken leg might not be enough.

shykins

my apologies shows how out of date i am lol