Can you claim childcare vouchers if you don't have children?

samtheman1k

My reasoning is that as the rules are changing in April, for the worse, but only for new entrants to the scheme...then, for someone who may well have a little one on the way after that date, it would be good to get on the scheme before it changes in April (for the worse).

Obviously, that begs the question, can you claim childcare vouchers if you do not have children? I'm only thinking £10pm, just to maintain registered, until we need to use the vouchers, and then up it to £100s pm, but retain the favourable rates...seems like good MSE to me?

System

i suspect the "child" bit maybe a clue op.

samtheman1k

But do the application forms actually ask you if you have children? Is there actually a requirement that you have to have children to claim the vouchers (as it is done on salary sacrifice, rather than as a paid benefit).

(I haven't been through the process as you may of guessed...)

SkintGypsy

The thing is, there is no guarantee your chosen childcare provider would accept your vouchers, and the selection of your childcarer simply cannot be swayed by whether you can use your vouchers. In any event, I think I had to give full details of the childcare when entering the scheme.

clairelou44

samtheman1k wrote: »

But do the application forms actually ask you if you have children? Is there actually a requirement that you have to have children to claim the vouchers (as it is done on salary sacrifice, rather than as a paid benefit).

(I haven't been through the process as you may of guessed...)

Hi on my companies form it asks you the full childs name, date of birth and also the name of the childcare provider so no you could not apply before you have children. Not sure if the form is the same everywhere though - maybe speak to your HR or payroll department and ask to see a copy of the form for your company

Jinx

Certainly in the company I work for (in HR) you need to name the child and the relation you are to that child and the nursery have to give their ID number for the scheme. The rules are that each parent is entitled to 243 quid in vouchers a month so for us it would be a no-no.

zaksmum

I can see why the OP is wondering though. Some years ago my elderly auntie applied for and got Attendance Allowance. Somewhere on the form it said you have to NEED help from another person (with bodily functions etc.) but don't actually have to GET that help.

She lived alone and had nobody to help her, but struggled on regardless. She couldn't understand how she could get the benefit if she didn't actually get any help from another person...but she did. Very confusing at times...!

Sarahlou_2

Think I had to provide the OFSTED number - wouldn't the above be classed as fraud anyway????!

findingmyownway

What if a grandparent / step parent etc was paying the nursery fees? Surely then it would be fair for them to be able to salary-sacrifce even though they did not have a child? Or is it for parents only? Interesting question!!

money_saving_diva

findingmyownway wrote: »

What if a grandparent / step parent etc was paying the nursery fees? Surely then it would be fair for them to be able to salary-sacrifce even though they did not have a child? Or is it for parents only? Interesting question!!

But in these cases you would still have a child, dob and ofstead number to give. I can see why the question is being asked if you are pregnant etc but I would imagine that you can't get vouchers for non- exsistant childcare and child!!???

delerium

I had to specify the child care provider can't remember if I had to specify the child or not.

Completely understand why you would want to take advantage before the rules change though....