Tax free childcare and maternity leave question

[Magik01]

Hi everyone, I’m currently on maternity leave with DS2 (6 months old) and plan on taking a year off so the last three months will be unpaid.

DS1 currently goes to nursery as he gets the 30 hours free and I use tax free childcare as well as both me and DH work (when I’m not on maternity leave obviously).

My question is can I still use the tax free childcare when I’m in the three months unpaid? The gov website says that exceptions are if your on maternity, but I’m unsure if that means the unpaid portion of it too, if that makes sense?

Anyone have any idea? Thank you!

In short, yes you can. Maternity is exemption if you would normally earn the qualifying amounts as far as I understand it.

Yes - maternity leave is exempt as long as when you return you will work and earn the required amount.

Brilliant, thank you for the quick answers!

I’m currently on maternity leave and have a 3year old in nursery. I’m having to reconfirm my eligibility for tax free childcare, my earnings are due to go to unpaid for the last 3 months now and the question asks:

‘Will you earn at least £152.00 a week before tax, for the next 3 months’

Do I put ‘No’ now? And what does this change if I do put ‘No’ or should I leave it as Yes? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated TIA xx