Full time student with partner - help with childcare costs?

caz246

I am looking for some advice on becoming a mature student (I'm 30). Hope this is the right place.

I currently work part time (30 hpw) and my partner full time. My son is in childcare whilst we work. I would like to study for a degree to hopefully improve my chances of getting a better career when my son goes to school.

I was initially thinking of studying at home part time whilst continuing to work (I would have to save to pay the fees therefore this couldn't happen until I did that).

My question is if I was to give up my job and study full time (and get a part time job) would we be entitled to any help with childcare costs? I have looked on the benefits calculator but they don't work for students as rules apply. Any advice apprectiated, just looking at all my options at the moment. Thank you

Caz3121

For childcare costs from tax credits you would both need to be working over 16 hours per week.
If you plan on working less than 16 hours or not working whilst you are studying you will not be able to claim via tax credits but any childcare help will come from your student finance.
note: some places have limited funds for childcare help so make sure you get your application in early

caz246

Caz3121 wrote: »

For childcare costs from tax credits you would both need to be working over 16 hours per week.
If you plan on working less than 16 hours or not working whilst you are studying you will not be able to claim via tax credits but any childcare help will come from your student finance.
note: some places have limited funds for childcare help so make sure you get your application in early

Thank you Caz, working part time as well would be my aim but wasn't aware there is other forms of help (student finance) other than tax credits so I will look into that aswell, thank you.

Dunroamin

If you study full time you may be eligible for help for the Childcare Grant as part of your student funding package.

https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant

If you want to study part time, you don't need to save for your fees as all HE students are now eligible for a fee loan.

RAS

If you study full-time for a degree, you may get a child care grant. You have to make your own arrangments and get a maximum amount re-funded.

It can take time for this to all come through at the beginning of the year, so it is a good idea to have 2-3 months child care fees saved or at least enough credit to tide you over the blip.

caz246

Thanks for all the info. I should mention I live in Scotland if this makes any difference to what is available with regards to grants etc.

Dunroamin

http://www.saas.gov.uk/