I'm pregnant with my fourth and panicking about how I will be able to go back to work after maternity leave. I only work 23 hours a week. Other dc are all school age. I don't live with my partner and currently get tax credit for other 3 dc. I understand although I wond get the childcare element for this child I may be able to claim up to 85 percent help in childcare costs. However my understanding is how will that work if my childcare costs would come to more then I earn and also a friend said I'd have to pay the invoice upfront each month then claim the money back. I wouldn't be earning the money to cover it all in the first place 