Guide discussion: Tax-Free Childcare

Andyt1981

LizPhillips wrote: »

For those who've managed to open accounts can I ask how old your kids are, please?
I have 1yo twins and a 5yo, the childcare is crippling us (we are lucky to both be working but the tax free childcare would really help).
I signed up for gov email alerts, my council emailed to say my district could sign up early so I signed up for alerts with them too - I've heard nothing from either.
I applied as soon as it went live but have heard nothing there either - not even an email acknowledging the application and there's no links to check progress or anything.
I'm left wondering if it's all got lost in some new crappy IT system, lol.

I signed up a week ago and haven't received an acknowledgement. I phoned the helpline and they said there was a backlog and it could be another week. It's frustrating as nursery fees are due on the 10th.

The_Enforcer

LizPhillips wrote: »

For those who've managed to open accounts can I ask how old your kids are, please?

16 months.

Kb1978

2yrs & 6years. Currently you can open an account if your youngest child is under 4. If you have an see sibling they can do be added at the same time

Kb1978

I signed up online without an invite...so you should be able to so this with your children the age they are. Make sure your childcare provider is registered for tax free childcare though....there seems to be a delay if they are a charity...ive been waiting and waiting to add mine as my provider but I can't....seems a bit stupid the Government activate a new scheme but haven't provided reference accounts to everyone who has requested them

tasha42

LizPhillips wrote: »

For those who've managed to open accounts can I ask how old your kids are, please?
I have 1yo twins and a 5yo, the childcare is crippling us (we are lucky to both be working but the tax free childcare would really help).
I signed up for gov email alerts, my council emailed to say my district could sign up early so I signed up for alerts with them too - I've heard nothing from either.
I applied as soon as it went live but have heard nothing there either - not even an email acknowledging the application and there's no links to check progress or anything.
I'm left wondering if it's all got lost in some new crappy IT system, lol.

I have had exactly the same issues I have 3 children too and the childcare bill is huge not much point of me working :-(. I have called the helpline 10 times now after I heard nothing from opening my account over 2 weeks ago. It does seem most of the phone line haven’t been trained and really don’t what they are doing. My issue has been now raised as a complaint and I was told I would be contacted within 2 - 5 working days but it should be the earlier as I had stressed my childcare bill is now way overdue and 4 days on I have heard nothing :-(.

Getting so frustrating now !!I feel your pain.

Goldiloz79

Yes I have, although I am now at a loss as to how to pay money in. There is no guidance online how to do this. I also don't know whether I can use it to 'save' for next year when childcare costs will be higher for me. It's pretty shambolic really.

pnims

Will joining tax free childcare affect child care element of working tax credits?

bctdh

My wife has opened an account (they told us that I would have to stop my vouchers, which I have now done), but could only pay in to the scheme using a debit card; the sticking point appears to be the 'payee' when inputting into the standing order on her bank account. Anyone know what the payee is for this scheme?

hmd1987

I applied for an account when it first launched (already got a hmrc account), it said my application would be processed.....Not heard anything, not even an email? So i tried again today and got the same message

I have 3 year old twins who are full time at nursery, the costs are sky high, its just ridiculous

LizPhillips

Thanks for the replies everyone - so, with 16month twins there's no reason I shouldn't be eligible. My childminder is registered. All ready to go. So far haven't been able to get through to anyone on the helpline and when I follow the link from Childcare Choices it just says 'your application is being considered'.

I can appreciate there's a backlog/'issues' with any new system but seriously, a bunch of easily checked questions a simple program could run to check eligibility and all our finances are on record - not even the courtesy of an email acknowledgement is frustrating.

Well, just have to keep trying the helpline I guess.