Childcare help?

cookiemonster33

Hi all,

I've just got a p/t job that fits around school hours but am worrying what do do with the children (5&7) in the holidays.

They're too old for day care and local holiday camps only run in the summer.

I'm considering a childminder but as it's only a few weeks a year will I still get help with the fees?

Any help would be appreciated.

georgiasdragons

yes you can still claim for help from the tax credits. Work out your average costs so school hols are 14 weeks of the year work out what your costs will be and divide by 52/

EG 180£ a week for 14 weeks divided by 52 therfor £50 a week i can claim although you only get 70% i think and the child care has to be registered

georgiasdragons

Oh and keep receipts and invoices as many people get spot checks

shedboy94

If you will only be using childcare in the holidays you don't have to average your costs. You phone up, advise when the childcare starts, when it finishes, and the total cost for that period. It is called short-term childcare and can only be used if you don't claim for any other childcare costs throughout the year.