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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Tax free childcare help

7 replies

Cr17 · 27/01/2022 21:29

Hi all,
My lo will be starting with a childminder from middle of April with an approved childminder.
I have been advised I could claim the tax free childcare (which my childminder does accept)

My husband is currently a SAHD as he awaiting to do his class 1 lorry licence which is booked in end of March, he will then be looking for employment to start in April.
Our childminder asks for payment on the 1st of the month which (i assume) our first payment will be the 1st May
When will I need to start the process for the tax free childcare so its ready for when the first payment is due?

FTM here so this is all new to me 🙂

Thanks x

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

HattieMid2 · 27/01/2022 21:36

So I would assume the first payment will be the 1st of April, as childcare is normally paid in advance (I’ve only ever used nursery though so childminder may be different).
You can register for TFC now, you have to reconfirm yours and partner’s details every 3 months. However, I’m pretty sure you can only use the system if both parents are earning over £130ish a week? When you register, it will ask you all those questions and will give you the outcome.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 27/01/2022 21:40

I agree with the above poster.

tbtf · 27/01/2022 21:40

Think of it more like a bank account. You should register and open it now (if you're eligible I don't know the criteria sorry) then whenever you transfer money into the .gov account they give you the top up. Then that money is ready to send to your childminder. You make the payment to the childminder from the .gov account not your own bank.

NuffSaidSam · 27/01/2022 21:40

Maybe check with your childminder, because I would also assume the payment will be 1st April.

Lavender2021 · 27/01/2022 21:50

I think you can apply 30 days before you need it as I tried to early before my daughter started nursery. Both parents have to be working to qualify for it.

Apple40 · 27/01/2022 22:05

I back up what others have said, I would check with your childminder if fees are in advance and not in arrears , paying in arrears is really rare now in childcare due to past parents taking the mick and not paying for the care they have received.

nannynick · 28/01/2022 13:22

Your DH is not currently working so you cannot apply yet. You can apply 31 days before he starts work.

See, Eligibility - If you're not currently working
www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

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