Really confused about grandparents allowance for child care

molerat

6 - 8 weeks IIRC but they will be busy at this time of year so could take longer.

twiglet98

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-credits-for-adults-who-care-for-a-child-under-12-fact-sheet/specified-adult-childcare-credits-fact-sheet

This states "We cannot accept applications for a particular tax year until the following October at the earliest. For example, for the tax year 2016/2017 applications must not be made until October 2017. This is because we need to check the parent already has a qualifying year for National Insurance purposes, and that can take until the October."

I'm trying to find out if the 'specified adult childcare credit' stipulates a minimum or maximum number of days childcare for a grandchild whose parents are working full time.

molerat

There is no minimum. If you care at any time during a week you get that 1 week credit.

relishy57

Can I use this post please to ask questions of my own.
My first grandchild born 12/4/18. Some weeks early so not sure yet when my daughter is returning to work. Do the contributions only start when the parent starts back at work?

molerat

You exchange the parent who is receiving child benefit and paying class 1 NICs parental credits for the carer credit. If the parent is not back at work they are not paying NICs so they cannot transfer to you.

You can apply for Specified Adult Childcare credits if:

• the child's parent (or main carer) is entitled to Child Benefit and has a qualifying year for National Insurance without needing the parent's class 3 NI credits which they receive automatically from Child Benefit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-credits-for-adults-who-care-for-a-child-under-12-fact-sheet/specified-adult-childcare-credits-fact-sheet

relishy57

Sorry, should have been clearer. Daughter is on maternity leave and a mixture of annual leave. (Police officer). I may not be called upon for childcare until December. Although there is chance she may do “keep in touch days”. Would this mean any credits would not be added until October 19?

molerat

You cannot put in the claim until the October after the end of the financial year so yes, any caring done in this FY cannot be claimed for until Oct 19 so just make a note and keep it somewhere safe. Your daughter will need to ensure her record for this year is full before you are able to transfer anyway.