30 hours free funding as well as childcare element?

[TimeToRevolutionize]

Sorry I did post this in the childcare section but I've had no reply!

I understand once a child turns 3, they get 30 hours free childcare. However, can you get that as well as child tax credits (childcare element)? At the moment that is what I am claiming which pays for childminder. Or can I only get one or the other? Thanks

You can only claim the childcare element of Tax Credits for childcare you actually pay for.

I will need to pay on top of 30 hours as I work 40 hours, so I think it is going to be split monthly payments to cover the whole year which is what I will be paying out of my own pocket. Will the CTC (childcare element) cover at least some of that?

Hi...as far as I remember as long as you are only declaring what you pay for in childcare to the tax credits office you can get both, so just your actual bill from the nursery and the child minder and not the "cost" of the free hours, if that makes sense.

You are still paying the costs of the child minder and any extra nursery costs so you are entitled to claim for that.

When giving your costs to tax credits though make sure you factor in holidays etc when you won't be paying, less likely to be overpaid that way!

When my DC got 15 hours free childcare a few years ago I still had to pay my childminder when he was at preschool he went 5 afternoons a week to preschool as I would have lost my place with her. She use to have him in morning and drop and collect hin 3 days a week. I explained to tax credits and they were fine.

Post on childcare or as mumsnet to move the thread to Childcare.

PS it's the term after they turn three I think and it's also up to your Childminder as to whether he/she participates in the 30 hour scheme - many don't as it's detrimental to them due to the low rates offered by the government.

You'll also have to go online to apply etc - deffo get this moved to Childcare you'll get some good advice.

I think it's like with the old voucher system, ie you can claim both it and childcare tax credits but only for the cost of the childcare you actually pay. So if your childcare would be £500 a month but now with the free hours it's only £100, you get some of the £100 back.

@sheet82 I did post to childcare but got no reply. Thank you for your replies everyone x