£2000 childcare scheme

MabelLucy

Hi

This is probably a stupid question but I'll ask it anyway - can you set up the online Tax-Free Childcare account before baby is born or do you have to wait until they've arrived? (Baby due in May). A nursery place is already sorted & deposit paid. Both parents work full-time but mum will be on a years maternity leave and father on paternity.

Many thanks for any help!

sheramber

https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/tax-free-childcare/

You may claim or continue to claim Tax-Free Childcare for older children while on statutory family leave. However, you may not be eligible to receive Tax-Free Childcare for the child you are on leave to care for. In this case, eligibility will be limited to the last 14 days of leave where you are claiming for a new child whose birth led to the time off.

[Deleted User]

You're going to need their date of birth to apply.

cheeky-peach

From my experience, you need to wait until they are within a certain timeframe of starting at the childcare setting. My daughter started at 9 months and I remember only able to apply about 6 weeks before or something.