Being paid to look after relatives child whilst they work

[Mcrmum7]

My relative has asked me to look after their child whilst they work. They have said they will pay me £400 a month. Do I need to tell tax credits? If so how do I go about it & what do I declare it as?

I think you'll have to register as a child minder if you're doing it for money, then its classed as a job.

Are you registered childcare provider? If not then you can't take payment to look after your relatives child.

Obviously you should declare any earnings, and you also need to be registered as a CM.
£400 pm sounds like cash in hand rates, tbh, if that is for full-time. Realistically it would be you that loses out if "officialdom" found out. It's quite a big risk for not a lot of money.

Are you on maternity yourself?

If not it would mean the benefits office would be saying it gets in the way of you getting a job?