Can you claim for looking after family member

jfwmb88

Hi there!

I'll just get to the point here. My mum is unemployed and looks after her grandaughter (my niece), who is coming on 6, for around 10-15 days a month. Some days for longer than others but usually for after school hours and some weekends/holidays etc. My nieces mum (my sister and my mums daughter), works full time and some weekends. I dont know if what she claims as a single mum would effect this, but could my grandmother claim money for being a carer of sorts to my niece?? Any help would be fantastic! :)

paddedjohn

why should the taxpayer pay for her to look after her own grand-daughter?


there are only 7 days in a week by the way.

jfwmb88

My mum has put aside her job in order to help out. Now if we want to get onto the conversation of tax payers money....then how about my sister doesn't work at all, and can claim even more benefits???? why? because she enjoys work and has pride. Thank you for your amazing response!

PasturesNew

Only if she becomes a legal and registered childminder -and- also look after another child not related to them.

Then the grandmother could charge the market rate for childminding and the mother could put in a claim for some of the childcare costs to be paid, the success of which would depend on the figures.

jackieb

Can't your sister pay your mum something out of her wages and benefits?

jfwmb88

Thank you. I'm aware of carers getting support for looking after those with disabilities and those who are elderly, so was just wondering.

jfwmb88

I'm afraid my sister does not actually get many benefits as she works full time. Also she has her own money problems which she is just getting over. My mum is helping her a lot and I was trying to come up with some ideas. Thanks for the reply though!

jackieb

Would your sister get help with childcare costs, then your mum could go back to work?

jfwmb88

Its certainly an option and my niece did used to go to a child minder, but could not afford it much so this leads me to think she got little help. My niece goes to some after school clubs but very expensive.

Oldernotwiser

jfwmb88 wrote: »

Thank you. I'm aware of carers getting support for looking after those with disabilities and those who are elderly, so was just wondering.

Looking after a healthy child is not being a "carer", whoever does it.

MrsManda

Can your sister not get tax credits towards childcare? - the child would have to go to a registered childminder rather than just her grandmother
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCreditsandChildBenefit/TaxCredits/Gettingstarted/whoqualifies/Childrenandtaxcredits/DG_073803

Is she a lone parent?