30 hours free childcare - SMP

[pearandsausage]

Hi All,
Wondering if anyone has been in this situation. DS is soon to turn 3 and would therefore be age eligible for 30 hours funding in September, however I currently earn over £100,000 so obviously wouldn't normally claim.

However I'm pregnant, due in August and will be on SMP from mid-September onwards. I'm assuming that I'll be able to claim 30 hours free childcare for the term Jan-Easter (I'll be back to work in May) - can anyone advise if this is correct or not?

I don't want to claim anything we shouldn't but this is a relatively recent (mega) pay rise so I haven't got the savings I would like for this mat leave (hello surprise baby) - trying to work out how many days a week to leave DS in nursery for.

Thanks!

I believe it’s based on your earnings over the tax year so if they’ll fall below £100k for 22/23 yes, you’ll be eligible. If you go back to work in May you may also be eligible for next tax year as well, dependent on if losing April’s pay puts you under £100k for next tax year? (watch out for any bonuses or extra payments though)

Thank you @Orangeteddy is that projected earnings? If so we might be able to claim for the Sept term as I know i won't earn over the threshold before going off on maternity...

Yes, worth checking with HMRC but I believe it’s projected earnings for the financial year