Childcare and recently self employed with no immediate proof of earnings

diynotmything

We have a 2 year old who was eligible for the 15 hours childcare for term Apr -June 24. He will be turning 3 soon and so we will be eligible for 30 hours in July - Sept 24. 

However, my situation is that I lost my job in December 23.  My partner and I have a net adjusted income of less than 100K for year 23-24.

I was employed until Dec 23, post which I decided to start off on my own as self employed and am going through a qualification to start offering my services in Sept. So no income until later this year or early next year.
 

Back in March - we had applied for Apr-June 24 term for 15 hours, where I filled up as self employed.  We were rejected and when we appealed, Chilcare services have just come back with the following statement:

 We need further information to review our original decision dated 27 February 2024. To help us decide whether you are eligible for Tax Free Childcare and Free childcare for working parents we need to confirm that your partner is self-employed and expected to earn a profit of at least £722.45 per month for the three months following your application. To help us do that, we need further evidence to confirm your partner's self-employment and we will need you to send: Copies of your partner's latest three months invoices. Copies of your partner's personal bank statements showing wages going into the account. Proof of expenses. Next steps: Once we have received this information, we will look at your application again and let you know our decision. If we do not hear from you by 16 June 2024, we will make a decision based on the information we already have. If you need any further information, please contact the helpline on 0300 123 4097 and quote your National Insurance number. You can send the evidence requested by post to the address at the top of this letter or online at www.gov.uk/guidance/challenge-a-childcare-service-application-decision. Using the link below How to ask for a review.

During this period we have also applied for 30 hours for July - Sept 24 and this decision is being held back until the previous /above information is provided to them. 

Since I have just started off and dont have anything to show from an earnings perspective for both the above terms, I wanted to get feedback on how I should go back to Childcare services advising them of my situation and be eligible for 15/30 hours.  I've heard of a 12 month grace period, but didnt see it on the offical website. 

Thanks for your help. 

Bookworm105

you should post your question on a more relevant board. 
I cannot see anything in your post relating to DIY in a property.

silvercar

Hi and welcome to the forum. As a new user it can be hard to find your way around. I've asked the forum Team to move this thread to the benefit board, where regular posters will hopefully be able to help you.

huckster

@diynotmything

Did you inform about your change in employment that happened in December 2023 ?

I suspect you had last earnings paid to you in January 2024. For Childcosts support they normally allow one month period after employment ends and earnings stop, before the Childcare cost help ends or is adjusted.

For some childcare costs support, both parents need to be working.

You will need to supply all of the information requested, so the Childcare costs support can be assessed.

diynotmything

HI @huckster, I didnt inform them of my change in employment, as I have been doing self assessment for the last 7 years as I was self employed for 5 years prior to my employment and I have sipp contributions that I declare. 

This link https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare advises that the following: 

If you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago, you can earn less and still be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare

DullGreyGuy

Have you started your business? You say you are going to start in September and at the moment you are doing training/education. 

sheramber

If you are not trading but training to get qualifications in preparation for  starting self employment then you are not yet self employed.