Retired Dad Childminding Granddaughter

WSB

Hi, 
My father looks after my sisters daughter whilst she and her husband are working during the week. 
He takes her (3 years old) to pre school etc. 
My dad is in his early 70s and fully retired for a long time.
Just wondered if there's any tax benefits or anything else financially beneficial to him that he should know about?
Thanks 

poppy12345

No there isn’t. 

Alice_Holt

But for younger carers (pre SPA), carers credits may be applicable.

https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit

peteuk

Alice_Holt said:

But for younger carers (pre SPA), carers credits may be applicable.

https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit

Carers credit fills in NI contributions , which I assume as her father is 70+ wont be applicable.

Spoonie_Turtle

peteuk said:

Alice_Holt said:

But for younger carers (pre SPA), carers credits may be applicable.

https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit

Carers credit fills in NI contributions , which I assume as her father is 70+ wont be applicable.

Yep, hence

Alice_Holt said:

But for younger carers (pre SPA), carers credits may be applicable.

https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit

MalMonroe

Does your Dad want payment?  Has your sister offered him payment?

Years ago, my Dad looked after our small daughter while my ex, me (part-time) and my Mum (part-time) were working. I offered to pay him for his time and he was so offended, I felt really awful. I can still remember his words now "what?! Be paid to look after my own granddaughter??!" 

He did it because he wanted to and because he really loved spending time with her. She in turn adored her granddad and had a special bond with him as well as my Mum.

She was born in Australia and we returned to the UK when she was six months old. Sometimes I really regret returning to the UK (I'm sure I don't have to explain why) - but my daughter - now an adult - reminds me that she wouldn't have had such a close relationship with her grandparents (on both sides) and all her other relatives if we hadn't come back. She will always be grateful for all the precious memories she has, as will your niece I'm sure.

I'm in my early 70s, still fit and active and wouldn't mind at all looking after any grandchildren I had - I don't have any and that's okay, but if I did I wouldn't want any payment for caring for them. Your niece won't be small for long. I'm sure your Dad doesn't see it as a chore. 

There is more to life than money. Hopefully your Dad would speak up if he didn't want to look after his granddaughter.

WSB

MalMonroe said:

Does your Dad want payment?  Has your sister offered him payment?

Years ago, my Dad looked after our small daughter while my ex, me (part-time) and my Mum (part-time) were working. I offered to pay him for his time and he was so offended, I felt really awful. I can still remember his words now "what?! Be paid to look after my own granddaughter??!" 

He did it because he wanted to and because he really loved spending time with her. She in turn adored her granddad and had a special bond with him as well as my Mum.

She was born in Australia and we returned to the UK when she was six months old. Sometimes I really regret returning to the UK (I'm sure I don't have to explain why) - but my daughter - now an adult - reminds me that she wouldn't have had such a close relationship with her grandparents (on both sides) and all her other relatives if we hadn't come back. She will always be grateful for all the precious memories she has, as will your niece I'm sure.

I'm in my early 70s, still fit and active and wouldn't mind at all looking after any grandchildren I had - I don't have any and that's okay, but if I did I wouldn't want any payment for caring for them. Your niece won't be small for long. I'm sure your Dad doesn't see it as a chore. 

There is more to life than money. Hopefully your Dad would speak up if he didn't want to look after his granddaughter.

I've no idea how but you seem to have got the wrong end of the stick. 
My father absolutely loves looking after his Granddaughter and the feeling is very mutual. Everyone is happy with the setup, nothing untoward and certainly not money based. 
It is me, as someome who picked up on something Martin said in his programme, who decided to investigate to in some way help them in case there was something they were missing out on.
Everyone is happy with the current arrangements and we are close knit loving family. 

sheramber

If a grandparent who is looking after a grandchild is below state pension age  and  will not have the full number of years to qualify for  full state pension , they may be able to claim transfer of child benefit credit for the missing years ,if the parent does not need it. 
As your father is over state pension age he  is not eligible.

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