can you claim childcare tax credits when a student?

katiesmummy

i have just applied for uni to start sept 08 and was just wondering if i can claim childcare tax credits for a minder for my son who will be just under a year old by then.
i will be doing a nursing degree which is public funded, and i will get a bursary of approx 9k p.a.

also, would i still be eligible for some housing/council tax benefit?
i would be very grateful for any advice

katiesmummy

sorry, i should have added that i checked entitledto.co.uk, but it only seems to give info for either working or not working if you know what i mean.

[Deleted User]

You can only claim for help towards childcare if you are working 16+ hours p/week and you are on a low income.
If you need to claim help towards childcare and you dont work you may be able to get help from the Department for Education. Contact the student welfare dept of your college who can give you some advice.

mummytofour

There is funding for childcare via the NHS bursery childcare payment scheme ( something like that) This is the link http://www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/Allowances/Childcare/default.aspx
and good luck with the course, where will you be studying?

Are you a single parent?
Coucil tax depends if you are sharing with another non student adult if so then its 25% discount on the full house hold rate.

katiesmummy

mummytofour wrote: »

There is funding for childcare via the NHS bursery childcare payment scheme ( something like that) This is the link http://www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu/Allowances/Childcare/default.aspx
and good luck with the course, where will you be studying?

Are you a single parent?
Coucil tax depends if you are sharing with another non student adult if so then its 25% discount on the full house hold rate.

thanks for that, i've had a quick look at it, and i think i would definately be entitled to some help as the only income i will have will be the bursary and any child tax credit i get.
i;ve applied to city university, so fingers crossed, i'm sooo excited!
yes i am a single parent, so i already get the 25% discount

WYBMADIITY_2

You should qualify for the Childcare Grant. When you fill in the initial student loan application, they will ask if you also want to claim for childcare. You will then be sent an additional application form (CCG1) to complete and return to you LEA.

This is actually slightly better than Childcare Tax Credit, as you should receive 85% of your weekly childcare costs, upto a maximum of £255 per week for 2 or more children.

Hope that helps, and good luck with the course!!

katiesmummy

WYBMADIITY wrote: »

You should qualify for the Childcare Grant. When you fill in the initial student loan application, they will ask if you also want to claim for childcare. You will then be sent an additional application form (CCG1) to complete and return to you LEA.

This is actually slightly better than Childcare Tax Credit, as you should receive 85% of your weekly childcare costs, upto a maximum of £255 per week for 2 or more children.

Hope that helps, and good luck with the course!!

not sure if i will be able to get this as i will be getting a bursary not a loan, but will definately inquire about it, thanks!