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Original poster

Childcare vouchers - can I start claiming them before I need childcare and save them up?

4 replies

2gorgeousgirls · 26/03/2011 20:20

I know that childcare vouchers don't have an expiry date, so is it possible for me to start claiming them while on maternity leave even if I am looking after the kids full-time, and then save them up until I need them when I go back to work?
All the forms for subscribing to the scheme are asking me to name my childcare provider, but surely if I can only use them for childcare why do they need to know in advance?

Thanks for your help.

OP posts:

nannynick · 26/03/2011 21:43

I think it depends on the scheme.

The scheme has to report to HMRC details of the childcarer (see here) thus why they the scheme administrator is asking for that info on the forms.

So I would suggest contacting the scheme administrator and asking them if it's possible to stockpile the vouchers for a while.

Keep in mind that it has to be used for Registered Childcare. So not usually a problem if using a Nursery or Childminder but if using a nanny, the nanny may not be registered and will need to do so which could take some considerable time. If advertising for a nanny, advertise for one who is already Ofsted registered.

This assumes you are in England. If in Scotland, then things are a bit different. Not sure about how it works in Wales or NI.

sanam2010 · 19/04/2011 01:07

Yes you def can. Hope you started already bc of tax change from april. As soon as child is born you can pay in. Dh & i paid in since dd was born and now can afford almost 3 months worth of fees from what we paid in during my mat leave.

HappyAsIAm · 19/04/2011 15:20

Yes, I could. But you have to be sure that you are going to need them for childcare after your maternity leave ie be sure that you are going back to work. If you decide not to go back to work, you will have nobody to pay them to, and you will essentially lose them.

sanam2010 · 19/04/2011 21:53

well i would say even if you don't go back to work it can't hurt to try a few mornings of nursery for DC to give yourself a break, and one can use them for afterschool activities and things like that later, so I think the money won't be wasted

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