Help with Paying for Childcare

There are a number of ways in which you might be eligible to get financial help to pay for your childcare which are as follows:-

Child Tax Credit/Working Tax Credit - to find out if you are eligible call the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or click on the Tax Credit link on the right.

Childcare Vouchers - if you work for an employer who provides a childcare voucher scheme you may be able to save upto £1195 per year on the cost of your childcare (depending on the level of income tax and National Insurance Contributions you currently pay).  For parents who are unsure whether or not they would save money with childcare vouchers, or are worried about how this could affect their Tax Credits call the FIS.  We have an Estimator which calculates whether you would be better off using vouchers, so call for a free calculation.

Nursery Education Funding - a free part-time nursery education place is available for all 3 and 4 year old children at either a local authority nursery or reception class or through a private, voluntary or independent nursery provider that is eligible to receive nursery education funding.  At present you are entitled to 15 hours per week.  For a list of eligible providers contact the FIS.

For those parents who are very young, who are students, lone parents or those who are entering training or work see the Help with Paying for Childcare in Related Downloads on the right for further support.

Other Financial Help

Child Benefit - you normally qualify for this tax-free payment if you have children under 16 (or under 20 and in relevant education or training) and you live in the UK.  The amount of Child Benefit you'll get depends on how many children you can claim for.  For the tax year 2011-12 the rates are £20.30 for the eldest or only child, and £13.40 for each additional child.  If you have any queries you can call the Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444 or visit the website in Related Links.  Please Note the Coalition Government has frozen this for 3 years.

Sure Start Maternity Grant - if you are on a low income and you need to buy things for a new baby you may be able to claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) which is a one off payment of £500.  The grant is tax-free and you do not have to pay it back.  To get the grant you or your partner must be getting Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit at a higher rate than the family element, or Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award.  You can claim SSMG by filling in form SF100 Sure Start which you can get from your local Jobcentre Plus office.

Changes in the rules for Sure Start Maternity Grant
The rules for Sure Start Maternity Grant have changed for babies that are:

• due on or after 11 April 2011
• born on or after 11 April 2011
• adopted or in similar arrangements on or after 11 April 2011

The rules for your new baby and any other babies born at the same time

You can only get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if there are no other children under 16 years in your family.

The rules for your dependent child’s new baby and any other babies born at the same time

You can only get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if your dependant is under 20 years and has no other children.

Healthy Start - expectant mums and families with children under 4 who are on certain benefits for low income households may be entitled to weekly vouchers worth £3 which you can exchange for milk, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and infant formula milk.  You can also get free vitamins.  For a leaflet and application form for Healthy Start speak to your midwife or health visitor or call 08701 555 455.

Teenage Parents Benefits Calculator - teenagers who are pregnant or are parents have very specifc, often quite complex needs.  Gingerbreads brand new teenage parents benefits calculator will help you find out the facts about what benefits you are likely to be entitled to - all by clicking through a few simple questions. (see Related Links)

If you would like information on how to manage money, keep track of your finances, plan ahead, choose financial products and stay informed about financial matters follow the FSA link on the right.