Childcare grant - income thresholds and assessment.

newdawn_2

I have looked everywhere for an idea on how much childcare grant I could possibly get depending on household income....but no information exists! Short of doing a freedom of information request asking for their assessment criteria I dont know what to do!

My DP may move in after I start Uni. His income for the last tax year was circa £18500...my income for the academic year will be about £3500 cos of CHB and CTC.

Any ideas if we are likely to get a child care grant?

thanks

Taiko

There are no set income thresholds for childcare through The Student Loans Company.

It is based on his estimated net income for the academic year (September - August), less outgoings such as rent/mortgage, council tax, buildings insurance, life insurance.

If you're able to give me some figures for the above, I'll gladly do the calculation for you.

newdawn_2

Taiko you are a star!

Annual wage approx £18500 (includes overtime)
£550 rent, £240 child maintenance pymts £10 contents insurance Council tax £100 per month.

My Income is 3470 (CTC and CHB)

Thank you so much

newdawn_2

And Childcare would be £175 per week. Dont qualify yet for funding.

Taiko

Are you also getting Working Tax Credit? And the £18500 is what he takes home after Tax and NI, right?

I'll bung it through the spreadsheet I designed for this when I get into the office tomorrow.

newdawn_2

Sorry. We will get £10 a week WTC so extra 520 income.
Take home is £1050 PCM (assumming no overtime)
Ignore the previous £18500 that was based on him doing overtime which has been suspended for the time being.

Thanks so much for doing this. It will give us a rough idea so we can work out if its feasible.

Taiko

Ah nuts, this is why I shouldn't have tried doing an assessment late night after a few drinks at dinner.

Is it just the one child?

newdawn_2

Hi ya..LOL....hope the heads ok!

Yes just the one child.

He pays maintenance for his two children who dont live with him.

Do other household bills like electric,water and gas count?

Taiko

Meh, done calculations on both, based on what you've told me you would be eligible for childcare. SFE would need the above documents though to process your claim.

You can get 85% of all childcare costs that you pay out, and these are awarded termly.

newdawn_2

Taiko. That is excellent news. Makes it much more feasible that he moves in- fab. Was just worried we would be much much worse off.

As soon as I hear if I have a place will get my application sorted.

Thank you so much.

newdawn_2

Sorry to be a complete pain Taiko...just realised that BF take home is more like 1150 a month without over time. £1360 with a couple of overtimes. Is this difference likely to affect childcare help?

Also the rent is obviously paid by me...if he moves in after I start Uni and we do a change in circumstances will this be an allowable cost for him? Tenancy would remain in my name as cost of new one is ridiculous money.

Many Thanks