30Hrs free childcare and unpaid Mat leave

[Crystal746599]

So my paid Mat leave is due to end in the middle of July and I’ve been toying with the idea of taking the 3 months unpaid. I reconfirmed my 3yo sons 30hr eligibility at the start of June which lasts until 17th September (I believe there may have been a box asking if I’ll earn £150 a week for the next 3 months and I ticked yes as my plan wasn’t to take unpaid leave).

I know that I’m ineligible for the 30hrs if I take unpaid leave as I am no longer earning the minimum required and clarified this with gov childcare service today. However I am now qualified for the 30hrs until mid September- do I just leave it? When I spoke with the service on the phone today I explained this to him and he didn’t seem to really know what it was all about. I told him I wouldn’t be earning for half of July and august and could I still use the 30hrs until my re confirmation until 16th Sep and he said yes but was a bit useless.

Yes you maintain your right to childcare whilst on Maternity Leave, including the 13 weeks unpaid.

From speaking with the advisors today it seems that that isn’t the case? Well at least I’m not eligible for the 30hrs or tax free childcare as not meeting the minimum income requirement… but as I’ve already reconfirmed until 16th Sep thinking I could just not say anything…

I've used tax free childcare and 30 hours during two maternity leaves. If you search for the guidance, it outlines eligibility to the scheme for those outside of work.

Yrs you’re eligible if you’re on mat leave for a different child

From my experience, since 30 hours was introduced, the advisors talk out their arse and consistently give parents the wrong information.

Page 12 here explains you will be eligible whilst on maternity leave https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/guides/parents-eligibility-and-application/