Can my ex claim free childcare hours in a shared custody arrangement?

[LM20]

Hi,

I have a baby and looking to return to work in the summer. I share custody with my ex-partner who lives 25 miles away.

I work a few hours per week so don’t particularly need childcare as I have family and friends but my ex does require childcare on his days. I’m in receipt of UC and child benefit. There is no maintenance as we have 50/50 arrangement.

My ex has asked me to enquire if I could get 30 hours free childcare but I don’t meet the criteria due to my income. I can’t increase my hours due to my other DC and their needs.

My ex has asked if he can claim the free hours however I don’t know if he can when I’m in receipt of the child element on UC and child benefit.

Child is registered at my GP. Can anyone advise?

Thanks!

You can use them a distance from your home, so why can't you claim the hours, and cash them in when they're needed?

If your ex has 50% custody he can apply for 30 hours funding himself.
As long as he meets the criteria and you don’t apply for the same child he can get a code which he can then use.
If separated parents both apply for the same child, HMRC will look into the situation and decide which parent can be issued the code.