Access course at College

abby1234519

My partner is going to go and do an access course at college with the aim of then studying to be a primary school teacher.

I earn 19k (moving to a job soon on 17k, less money better prospects)

He currently earns 15k.

His options are give up work completely to do college 3 days a week and then 2 evenings a week doing a science and maths gcse.

Or work 16-20 hours in his current role a week plus the above.

Now I can't find anything anywhere about whether an access course counts as full time education. Our son is in nursery so if we can still get tax credits for childcare it would be better for my other half to give up work to be able to concentrate on his course. But obviously if this then means we are not entitled to tax credits we can't do it. Anyone have any experience? After googling it I have concluded that some people say it is full time and some disagree. Some people have had tax credits and some havent

abby1234519

blondebubbles wrote: »

To claim for childcare through tax credits as couple -
- you both must work at least 16 hours per week or
- one of you must work 16 hours per week and the other receives carers allowance, is in hospital or prison, or gets certain disability benefits eg DLA or PIP.

If you work and partner doesn't and he doesn't fit the criteria above then you cannot claim for childcare help. You may still receive some child tax credits though but would depend on previous year income and expected current year income.

Yes but if your partner is a full time student at university, you can get tax credits. He can't claim but I can on behalf of both of us. My question, is an access course the same.

abby1234519

Thanks for your advice, have managed to get through to tax credits eventually and as long as his course is classed as a full time course, I can claim for child care tax credits. Phew!

FrillyTilly

An Access Course is classed as full time education. Any studies over 16 hours a week is full time.

Caz3121

abby1234519 wrote: »

Thanks for your advice, have managed to get through to tax credits eventually and as long as his course is classed as a full time course, I can claim for child care tax credits. Phew!

Unless there has been a change then this is incorrect...you mention "child care tax credits" whereas there is "child tax credits" and "working tax credits" and "help with childcare costs"
Your question should be "do we get help with childcare costs if one person is working and the other is a full time student"
If you asked "do we get child care tax credits if one person is working and the other is a full time student", it is likely that the person misunderstood and answered as if you had asked about "child tax credits"

When my daughter went back to studying full time she was not working the 16 hours required to qualify for help with childcare but received help from the college. The college childcare funds are usually limited run out very quickly so would apply asap.
Unless your partner decides to work 16 hours plus as well as studying in which case help with childcare through tax credits will apply