childcare element tax credits, for time when mot at work??

Icequeen99

FBaby wrote: »

Surely this is not the case? Why should tax payers pay childcare because someone can't be bothered to do cleaning after her children are in bed?

I was a single mum working full-time when my kids were 3yo and 18months. I didn't have much time to do cleaning and the rest either. Well I try to do most of what i had to do when they were asleep, but more importantly, they learnt to adapt and that mummy couldn't be with them every 2 seconds because I had chores to do.

The OP is very fortunate to have someone to look after her children so she doesn't have to pay childcare. Maybe with the money she is saving (at least 30% of what the childcare would cost), she can pay herself for an 1 hour or so. Oh and what is OP's partner doing (since she refers as 'we'). Can't he look after the children whilst OP does chores or vice versa?

The OP asked whether it was possible, and I explained that it is. The tax credit rules do not state when the childcare has to take place, or even how much you can claim. You can work 20 hours and claim 40 in childcare (of course you have to pay 30%).

Whether it is right for the system to do that is another question entirely.

IQ

Mumto3cheekymonkeys

FBaby wrote: »

Because all these things are your choices? Why should other subsidise your choices? If you want time for yourself to indulge and put your child in childcare during that time, that's your choice, but why should other pay for it? Many other people pay much taxes and get very little in return, that's how it is. Benefits are for needs, not for luxuries.

In any case, I've realised that in relation to OP question, my outrage was pointless as of course, she could put her child in nursery when she is at work for 16 hours, and then have the grand parent look after the child on the day she wants off, unless of course, the grand parent doesn't see it like that. Of course, that would mean still being liable for 30% or maybe more of the childcare fees, so possibly not a cheap choice to make for a bit of time off during the day for chores. Might work out cheaper to employ a cleaner a couple of hours a week.

So what your saying is the parents that decide to keep popping out children but not go to work deserve to have there childcare paid for so they can catch up on tv, shopping and cleaning but someone who does work hard deserves no help because they have a wage and put in to the system. Oh it all makes sense now!

MissMoneypenny

eliviajen wrote: »

however, the youngest is very demanding and since having him i have absolutely no time to do anything - he doesnt sleep, and he needs attention constantly!

I had two children like that, so I channeled that energy and got them their own cleaning equipment; carpet sweepers; vacs; dusters. I have some great videos of my 9 month old son in his baby walker, charging about with his carpet sweeper on the floor:D We all cleaned and cooked together.

When they got a little bit older, I paid pocket money according to which household chores they had done that week. No chores done, then no money that week. Now in their mid/late 20s and both high rate tax payers, neither have ever claimed any welfare payments at all.

MissMoneypenny

Mumto3cheekymonkeys wrote: »

That is part of our capital now however due to issues with tenants we have decided to sell the house and put the money into our new house and save some for the future.

Tax credits doesn't have a 16k capital limit and it is this which is changing to fit into line with the other income based welfare payments. The rent from your lets will form part of your income for tax credit purposes. Your rental investments equity would affect any other income based welfare payments you are trying to claim now as they have a 16k capital already.

I've only been a landlord once and would never do it again, although I had good tenants'. The rising mortgage interest rates now and falling government funded rents, do not make a good investment; especially in an asset that can not be sold quickly when house prices drop again.

Mumto3cheekymonkeys

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

I had two children like that, so I channeled that energy and got them their own cleaning equipment; carpet sweepers; vacs; dusters. I have some great videos of my 9 month old son in his baby walker, charging about with his carpet sweeper on the floor:D We all cleaned and cooked together.

When they got a little bit older, I paid pocket money according to which household chores they had done that week. No chores done, then no money that week. Now in their mid/late 20s and both high rate tax payers, neither have ever claimed any welfare payments at all.

You sound just like my mum LOL! We also had to earn our pocket money and I think what your saying is a great idea. Regarding your other comment thank you for making me aware I do have to claim the profit from the house which is only £1000 however it wont really affect us. I agree with you on being a landlord it is a total nightmare which is why we have decided to sell as it will be less stress on us and give us more time and energy to put into our boys. X

MissMoneypenny

Icequeen99 wrote: »

The tax credit rules do not state when the childcare has to take place, or even how much you can claim. You can work 20 hours and claim 40 in childcare (of course you have to pay 30%).

Whether it is right for the system to do that is another question entirely.

Wow; that welfare payment is certainly not fit for purpose. Talk about buying votes. Thank goodness it's being phased out. Thanks for all the debts Tony and Gordon.:mad:

carebear13

hi- i have had 2 like your little one. how old is he? is he too big for a sling/carrier.
is he too young to be given a cloth so he can pretend to help mummy, my eldest loved this - not now though!!
could he stay with your grandparents an extra hour or so,
couple of times a week(not sure how your 16 hrs are split) and then this would you give you time to get home and do a quick clean and then at the weekend when you are both at home, do a proper clean then. i know it's hard (i have 4 ) but i just do what needs to be done regularly i.e hoover and clean toilet, the rest gets done when it gets
done.

carebear13

oops meant to add- have you tried putting music on really loud and making it fun for you both by having a dance etc, it takes twice as long to get stuff done but give it a go, if nothing else itwill drown out the crying.
sorry cant help with the tax credit thing though- just wanted to give practical advice about the little one.

MissMoneypenny

Mumto3cheekymonkeys wrote: »

Regarding your other comment thank you for making me aware I do have to claim the profit from the house which is only £1000 however it wont really affect us.

I think you will find it's your equity in your let/s and not just the profit, that is counted as capital for income based welfare claims. Profit may come under capital gains tax when you sell it.

Mumto3cheekymonkeys wrote: »

I agree with you on being a landlord it is a total nightmare which is why we have decided to sell as it will be less stress on us and give us more time and energy to put into our boys. X

It's a poor investment now too. Shares aren't as much hassle as repairs on let property and are easier to sell quickly when the profit drops.

FBaby

Icequeen99 wrote: »

The OP asked whether it was possible, and I explained that it is. The tax credit rules do not state when the childcare has to take place, or even how much you can claim. You can work 20 hours and claim 40 in childcare (of course you have to pay 30%).

Whether it is right for the system to do that is another question entirely.

IQ

Are you totally certain about this? There was a thread some time ago about someone who did exactly that who ended up investigated and had to repay what they'd receive for the hours she wasn't working.