half term care.

[alnbex86]

i have been doing a lot of research into what you can and can't claim for but it all seems confusing.

I'm self employed so i don't get holiday pay etc. and my wife is full time worker (just) but only gets 16 days holiday due to the amount of hours she works (both on low income).

our eldest daughter starts school in september 14 and we are struggling to work out how we can manage everything finically and with work. pick ups and drop offs are sorted (we think) but its the half terms.

so what i am basically saying is can you claim tax credits for her going to holiday/after school clubs or do we pay it all??

also another little thing our youngest daughter is at nursery and we have to take milk in for her breakfast should we?? i ask as i have been told milk is free to under 5s?

thanks for your help
(sorry about spelling)

Under 5s get a free 1/3 pint, but I have no idea about tax credits I'm afraid.

Yes you can use tax credits towards many holiday clubs. You will need to check that they have the appropriate registration.

Try looking in other sections of mumsnet for message threads about claiming tax credits. Try Money Matters section.

HMRC leaflets WTC2 and WTC5 explain how to work out childcare cost figure for tax credits.

Yes you can claim tax credits for holiday clubs, etc. you will need their ofsted registration number to claim.

You need to work out the hours that the children will attend and the cost and then split it across the year.

Eg. They attend 30hrs per week for 10 weeks= 300hrs. Then divide the hours by 52 weeks = about 5.5 hrs a week.

That was how it worked a few years ago when I did it. Might have changed now though. It's a pain as you get the money spread across the year rather than in larger amounts when you need it, so you have to be quite disciplined about setting it aside for when you need it.

I have always found them to be really helpful on the helpline (when you finally get through!). They can do a what if calculation and tell you how to work it all out and how much you would get.

GOOD LUCK!!!

thanks people looks like I'm investing in a decent calculator and working it all out,
really appreciate your help.

If you have childcare vouchers you can use these for a lot of holiday clubs too.

The new voucher scheme when it starts could be used as well and I think that is open to those who are self employed.