Childcare element tax credits?

[JC84NCL]

Hi there,

Just hoping someone can help as I can't seem to get a definitive answer online.

I'm a single mum currently receiving child tax credits, income support and carers allowance (my son receives disability allowance).

I'm starting college in a couple of weeks to do an access to HE Diploma. I will be there 2 days a week 9-4 and it is classed as full time (or so I'm told).

I'm going to be putting my son in breakfast and after school club on these days which in total comes to £144 a month.

What I need to know is, am I entitled to any help with childcare costs through my tax credits? Or a grant perhaps? Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Thanks in advance!

JC
x

When I was on tax credits ( a few years ago now) DS1 breakfast club costs were included. I double checked with them first and they said yes as it's a school
Registered childcare system

Great, so if I just ring tax credits they will add the childcare element on?

You will need to let carers know too, you can't claim carers if the course is full t8me - college will have t9 fill some paperwork stating how many hours in total expected with college and homework.

Oh OK! Does that mean my income support would go up?

If your CA claim ended then (assuming your child is five) you'd need to claim Universal Credit rather than IS, and you'd be expected to seek work.

My son is 9.. I had an appointment with the lone-parent advisor at the Job Centre not long ago and explained I was going to college in September. He said because I was in receipt of carers allowance I wouldn't have to declare it? I do volunteering every week with 2 different charities so I'm not sure with college, volunteering and being single parent I'd have the time to work as well.. What do you guys suggest??

You need to speak to college and see what how many hours you will be doing (both at college and at home)

Great, thank you.

It will be a bit odd if they cancel my carers allowance considering my son would be in school while I'm at college for those 2 days, so there's no difference to the amount of time or care I'd be giving him. And also considering you can work while claiming carers allowance! Oh well, I'll just have to see what happens!

Thanks for your help