We are separating - Can I still claim Tax Free Childcare if ex is claiming UC

bailey_uk

So me and the mother of our 3 kids (ages 6, 4 & 2) are separating mutually and the idea is to be co parenting 50/50

She will likely be claiming Universal Credit, not exactly what yet.

When paying for childcare via the tax free childcare site, its always been me who gets the emails to reconfirm etc so I'm assuming I'm the primary parent when it comes to TFC, (if there is such a thing?

Am I okay to keep using this service?

Basically what I'm asking is that if parents have separated, and one is then claiming Universal Credit, is tax free child care off the cards?

Any info would be appreciated, i imagine its a fairly common scenario 

thanks

sheramber

I don't know if your partner claiming UC could complicate matter because you cannot claim UC and tax free child care for the same child.  

Hopefully, one of the better informed  members will be along to clarify.

bailey_uk

Yeh thats why I questioned it, but also thought that because its me personally paying for the childcare then it may be possible.

When reconfirming the circumstances on the gov website every 3 months, it only asks if I am claiming any UC and doesn't actually ask for the other parent?

Yamor

As long as the child “normally lives” with you, then you should be fine.

Although UC has the same test for eligibility for the child element, it is accepted that a child can be “normally living” by more than one person.