Au pairs and tax credits

Bettyboop

Hi All,

My story is on another forum but I just wanted to ask the following two questions:

I am a single parent, working 30 hours a week.

1. Will tax credits assist with the cost of an au pair? I cannot find any other childcare for my 3 year old and in order to keep in work this is an avenue I'm looking at but can only do it if I can get some help.

2. How much do they cost? I know some are live in and some are live out au pairs - by how much does the price differ? The ex has said she can live in OUR house as he has 3 bedrooms and I only have 2 in my house. We are only 10 minutes walk apart?

I really need your thoughts and advice. Thanks.

Bettyboop

Anyone....

Pretty please : )

TheWaltons_3

They would have to be registered - Au Pairs are usually students or foreign girls wishing to live here.

They will help with nanny costs. But you have to pay Tax and NI for Nannies..

Bettyboop

Thanks for that. I have found out that nannies cost £377 per week before tax and national insurance. Of that tax credits will only pay £140.00 and I cannot afford to find the remaining £160.00. Will have to continue my search for other childcare. Thanks for your help.

TheWaltons_3

Bettyboop wrote: »

Thanks for that. I have found out that nannies cost £377 per week before tax and national insurance. Of that tax credits will only pay £140.00 and I cannot afford to find the remaining £160.00. Will have to continue my search for other childcare. Thanks for your help.

OUCH!


Paying their Tax and NI put us right off...

Have you considered putting her in the next available nursery place, regardless of OFSTED report just for a short time... whilst getting her name on a better nurseries waiting list.. and putting her into the better nursery when a place becomes available? You wouldn't have to lose your job then.

https://www.surestart.gov.uk or https://www.childcarelink.gov.uk

You can inspect all Ofsted reports on a website also.

Isn't the father helping out?

Irezumi_Muzan

My sister has an au pair from Hungary. She costs £50 per week (wages) plus my sister pays for her food and covers any expenses that relate to the kids (like taking them out and stuff). The au pair paid for her own flight to the UK and my sis collected her from the airport. If you want more info, I can put you in touch with either my sister or whatever company she found her au pair through. There are very strict rules concerning what au pairs can and cannot do so you would need to do all the research and double check the contract and stuff... It is a great cultutal exchange, though.

mummytofour

Childminder might be an idea? Have u looked at a nursery? as you child is over 3 you would be able to get the nursery education grant which will help lower fees.That is in addition to your child tax credits.
Au pairs are fab, but not for full-time childcare, they only work 25-35 hrs per week.