Confused about the childcare element of WTCs and the number of hours you work

[Petisa]

Hi all,

I'm confused about how the childcare element of WTCs is worked out. I'm a lone parent with 2 under 5s and am on IS. I´m going to be working 16 hours a week v soon. My question is, does the amount you get for childcare vary according to how many hours you work above the qualifying 16? Can you work 16 hours and claim for full time Mon to Fri childcare?

Don't want to drip feed, so the reason I ask is because I want to work 2 days a week and study 3 days a week and I would get no help whatsoever with child care for my studies as I would be a postgrad student. Could I have my 2 dc in full time day care and claim for 70 per cent of it all through WTC or could I only claim for 16 hours´ childcare? The total amount would be 290 pounds which is under the 300 pound limit for 2 dc, and they won't take children part time anyway.

Can anyone help answer this? Many tia!

They might want to know why you need those 3 extra days if your contracted only for 2.

I think that would be what is commonly known as 'taking the piss'.

i dont agree corlan
Petisa, i spoke to tax credits and yes the childcare is covered if you need those three days for studying. As long a you can cover the remaining amount for childcare. you do not need to be at work to have you child in childcare iyswim
hope this helps

Thanks peppapiglet! I've been worrying about this as I'm about to start a PhD and work part-time in September and I have a nearly 2 year old and a 4 year old and it's a big change for us all! This is such a great opportunity for me, and with being a lone parent I will need all the childcare (and money!) I can get!

I asked on moneysavingexpert and a couple of people have answered and say the same as you peppa - there is no limit on the hours you can claim for childcare and there is no link between the hours you work and what you claim. Thank goodness I'm so relieved! Ex-p wants to look after them a couple of days a week, but who knows if he would actually do it (I really hope he will) and if I took him at his word and then he let me down I'd be screwed. At least with full-time childcare he'll have no power over me in that way. And I've found a lovely nursery but they only have full-time places.

Sorry, rambling on -thanks again!

Sorry I meant to say as long as you work at least 16 hours a week at least that is.

well i hope all goes well for you and good luck with the PhD, something great to focus on.. sounds like you are going to have a lot on your plate! so keep on the lone parents forum for support :-)

yes as long as you work the 16 hours :-)

Thanks