To ask for help on wording of 30 hours childcare criteria?

[WhenZogateSuperworm]

I’m usually good at understanding things but want to check I’ve got this right-

*How much you earn
You’ll need to expect to earn a certain amount over the next 3 months. This is at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.

For example, over the next 3 months you expect to earn at least £1,707.68 - the National Living Wage for people over 25*

As a teacher working 2 days my official contracted hours would only be 13 a week (crazy I know as I’m in school for at least 20!) However my pay over 3 months is more than £1707.68 so does this mean I’m entitled even though I don’t do 16 hours?

Yes but does that include periods including school holidays? Or is that your salary every three months?

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat

I am contracted and paid the same all year round regardless of school holidays.

Then yes it’s fine.

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat phew! Huge relief!

Yes you’re fine. I read it as ‘x amount’ which is normally achieved by 16 hrs if you’re paid at minimum wage. I think it’s the amount of pay that’s important not the hours.

Also in case it’s relevant: you can still claim if you’re in mat leave you just need to let them know why you had an earnings gap.

@moreismore yes that is relevant thank you as I’m on maternity leave until January which is when DS free hours kick in so if it’s based on last 3 months I won’t have been earning anything!

Oh good If you haven’t already registered for tax free childcare do that first as you can then add 30 hrs registration under the same portal which is much easier.

@moreismore thanks but we use childcare vouchers from my husbands work as it works out slightly better for us.

Ah ok. In that case allow plenty time to get registered as it can be a bit of a PITA! The helpline are good though. Hope all goes well