Tax credits, childcare, full time education plus part time work?

firemansamsmum

I am returning to college in September as a full time student. I will be working 16 hours per week in the evenings around this. According to all benefits calculators I have found we are entitled to Tax Credits for childcare based on our earnings and the fact I will be paying for childcare, however the childcare will be during the day for college and not for work which is evening based. Is this allowed? On none of the calculators is there any reference to being a student. I will need 18 hours per week childcare but work 16 hours per week so do I put the costs atributing to 16 hours per week? They cannot help me at Tax Credits helpline as its a change coming in advance and not already happened!

pmlindyloo

What course are you doing and will you be getting any grants for this?

Icequeen99

firemansamsmum wrote: »

I am returning to college in September as a full time student. I will be working 16 hours per week in the evenings around this. According to all benefits calculators I have found we are entitled to Tax Credits for childcare based on our earnings and the fact I will be paying for childcare, however the childcare will be during the day for college and not for work which is evening based. Is this allowed? On none of the calculators is there any reference to being a student. I will need 18 hours per week childcare but work 16 hours per week so do I put the costs atributing to 16 hours per week? They cannot help me at Tax Credits helpline as its a change coming in advance and not already happened!

Providing you are not claiming any student childcare support, then as long as you qualify for WTC childcare help (by working the minimum number of hours) it doesn't matter when the hours are nor how many hours you claim. It will when Universal Credit comes in.

IQ

firemansamsmum

It's a level 3 diploma in fitness instructing & personal training. It's a one year course and I'm using the 24+ learning loan. The college have said I might be entitled to a small bursary that is attached to the loan but it's not guaranteed as its first come first serves.

Icequeen99

You can only claim childcare costs you pay yourself. If the bursary is specifically for childcare then you will need to deduct it. If it is for living expenses/books etc then it doesn't matter.

I presume your partner is working at least 16 hours as well?

IQ

firemansamsmum

The bursary is for anything - travel, books, uniform etc. My husband works full time (self employed) and I work 16 hours per week. I currently work evenings and therefore do not claim childcare as I don't need to pay it out as its evening work so my husband is home, but from September I will be paying for childcare 3 days per week (15 hours) plus working 16 hours in the evening.