:( Childcare - what help do I ask for from work?

[Shellykelly]

I need to negotiate help with my childcare when returning to work. At the moment they don't offer anything. What should I ask for? I am a bit confused with tax credits and vouchers.

Are you serious?? Is it their job to offer help with your childcare??

There is a website called entitledto.com (I think thats what it is called).

You enter your earnings and how much childcare will cost you, it works out what you are entitled to. You can even apply online.

Do you mean Childcare Vouchers? You can ask your employer if they want to participate in the scheme if they don't already - this website has more info: www.childcarevouchers.co.uk

You can apply for tax credits as well - you do that yourself rather than through your employer though, I found this website quite helpful: www.direct.gov.uk

I know how you feel though - I was very confused about what you can claim and how - and the tax credits form makes it seem more complicated than it needs to be!

If you mean childcare vouchers you need to get your chilminder/nanny/nursery (has to be registered so if mum/friend etc look after you child that will not count) to give their details with busy bees and you also have to. They then take some of the payment (max 240 pounds) direct from your salary and pay your childcarer before you pay tax and NI. So depending on which level of tax you pay you will save some money. Not a huge amount but hey you are still saving money which is great.

Tax credits etc you need to apply for and the form is LONG. You can claim for up to 70% of cost of childcare but again has to be registered depending on your circumstances.

As for aything else, it is up to you to arrange your childcare, unless your employer provides a creche faciltity, but it is still up to you to pay for it!!