Am I entitled to Tax Credits (help with childcare) when I go on Maternity Leave?

[monika78]

Hi there!
I'm starting ML next February. At the moment I work 24 hours a week over 3 days. My 2-year old goes to Nursery 3 full days a week at the cost of £102. I get most of it paid through Tax Credits as we are on low income. He loves the Nursery and has got lots of little friends there. However, if I don't get any help with the fees he won't be able to go.
Any advice much appreciated.

[PillockOfTheCommunity]

yes
I have just gone back after Mat Leave. for the first 6 months of your leave they class you as employed for Tax Credit childcare purposes (this did NOT go up with the new Mat Leave regs). I still got my childcare element for those 6 months, but after that you would not get it.