Should I start claiming childcare vouchers pronto?

[BoyMeetsWorld]

Hi all,

I'm eligible for childcare vouchers (not the old higher ones, but the current kind). Haven't claimed them as it seemed so complicated (employer no help) and DS starts school in sept anyway.

However, just found out im pg. As the government is proposing the new £1200 py tax rebate to replace the vouchers but it states those already on the voucher scheme can continue to claim them as before, should I start claiming now so that I'll have them in place for new arrival?

Can vouchers be used for before & after school club care, even if the new scheme is under 5's only? & are vouchers or the new scheme more profitable if only 1 parent claiming?

Thanks for your advice

Yes, start claiming the vouchers now. Tere should be no disadvantage to being on the existing scheme when the new one rolls out as you'll be in the first roll out tranche because you'll have a 0 - 5 year old. Bit the benefit will be several years of tax free vouchers through this pregnancy and maternity leave.

You can keep the vouchers to spend later, and you can spend them on after school care and holiday clubs.

The paper kind have an expiry date but electronic ones don't, at least in my scheme, check with your provider.

I would yes. Who are your employer with as most don't expire so you've got a long time to use them! (until your youngest is 15) and yes they can be used for out of school clubs and activities.

Even if the new scheme does turn out more profitable if you get CCVs now you'll have the choice when the new scheme comes in. Do you have a dp? If so the vouchers may be more profitable. If you're a lp the new scheme will normally be.

I guess from your bit about the new vouchers you're a higher rate taxpayer?