Child Care Tax Credits

LynnEL

I was unemployed between April & start of September last year. I didn't inform tax credits as I had it in my head that I'd find a job straight away. It took me around 4 months. During that time I was still claiming the child care element & working tax credit. I would have been entitled to housing benefit & other benefits but I didn't claim them as I was sure I'd find a job quickly & didn't want to claim benefits as I thought it would be easier to live off this money & pay rent ECT until I found a job. I received a letter from tax credits today saying they will no longer be paying child care costs for my son who is in registered child care. I really don't know what to do? Should I contact them & explain exactly what I done? Also what will the outcome be? I'm going to struggle to pay child care costs now & get to work. Will they reinstate them & just make me pay back what I owe? Can anyone help?

Darksparkle

Of course you should contact them and explain. You’ll receive an overpayment for the period you incorrectly claimed childcare.

If you are eligible now then yes they will be included again on your claim