Childcare

Rockman60

Hi
We are grandparents who look after our 2 grandchildren 3 days a week. Like everyone in Northern Ireland the children's parents do not get any help with childcare costs. We are both retired living off a works pension.

Does anyone know if we are eligible for any financial help or can we get any help like some sort of tax allowance. Any help greatly appreciated.

IvanOpinion

Could your son/daughter and partner transfer some of their child benefit credits to you or offer some other help?
It might be worthwhile you talking to citizens advice.

spo2

You can get national insurance credits towards your pension if you left work to care for grandchildren. I am assuming it is the same in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2017/01/grandparents-who-help-with-childcare-at-risk-of-missing-out-on-full-state-pension---act-now-to-protect-it/

Also, you say that
"Like everyone in Northern Ireland the children's parents do not get any help with childcare costs"

They should look into tax free childcare as that is the help  that is available for parents at the minute