Business start up and childcare?

Cuppatea1982

Hi all,

Not sure if I should put this post in the work or benefits thread so feel free to move it if I have put it in the wrong section….


I’m a mother of a 14 month old girl and I’m looking for some advice on childcare.

I am in the process of starting up my own business but it’s very labour intensive work. I work when my daughter goes to bed and on a Saturday for as long as my OH takes her out, but it’s just not enough. Can I get any help with childcare if I’m self employed or even preparing to start a business?

All my family and partner work fulltime and my OH’s parent live six hours away so really a nursery is the only option. I seem to be stuck in a bit of a vicious circle ATM as we haven’t much money coming in, which is why I want to work for myself, but can’t afford childcare to enable me to work! It’s so frustrating!

Any ideas or information would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

Oldernotwiser

If you're working for a minimum of 16 hours per week you can claim help with childcare through tax credits.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCreditsandChildBenefit/TaxCredits/Gettingstarted/whoqualifies/Childrenandtaxcredits/DG_073803

spendaholiceejit

Hiya,
You are entitled to working tax credits as self-employed. So that should help you towards childcare for an extra day or two.

Because your income is really low when you first set up as self-employed, you may get the credits at the increased rate too, which really helps.