Separation and free hours/tax free childcare

[TheWarySwan]

Hi everyone,

We did not qualify for tax free childcare or free hours for our 2 year old due to my partner earning >£100k.

We are splitting and looking to divorce. My income is £32k per annum so I would meet the eligibility criteria. Would I be able to claim the free hours/tax free childcare now I am separated? We have not discussed childcare arrangements, how it will be split etc yet.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Are you still living together? Or separated but not yet divorced. It's not clear.

Anyway, I suggest giving hmrc a call when you have very nuanced circumstances, they will advise better than us guessing. There will be specific criteria and they'll check for you.

And do it quickly, the cut off is 31st March.

Separated and no longer living together

Then yes you can apply as a single parent. Because you are.

And that is irrespective of what the childcare arrangements will look like and what his earnings are?

Why don't you just apply and see what they say?

www.childcarechoices.gov.uk