Childcare element of tax credits

[baileybubs]

Hi everyone,

Sorry if this has been asked a million times but I'm just wondering how this might work for me. I currently work part time and am a single mum. When I work my mum has the kids but she also has a full time job so I want to put my daughter in nursery (she's almost 2) and then in a few months my son too (he's currently 6 months). I work 16 hours a week now but would increase to about 20-24 hours, maybe more if possible in the long term.

Basically I don't know how I would afford nursery and am completely unsure how much I would get. I would want them in nursery at least 2 days to start then go up to 3 (my job involves weekend and evening work so I wouldn't need more than 3 days really).

What is everyone else's experience? I currently earn £110 a week and if I increased my hours I would earn possibly £150, however if it's going to cost me £80-£100 a week in nursery fees I wouldn't be able to afford it.
Does the amount of the childcare costs you get depend on how much you earned? It's all so confusing!!! And I get no help from the kids father except the minimal CSA he has to pay and he is too unreliable to have them even just one day a week so that I can work.

 

[baileybubs]

Anyone?

 

[smillar]

You can claim up to 70% of the costs. There is an online calculator which gives you a rough estimate although I always find it a little higher than what you actually receive. If it helps, we have a combined income of around £28,000 - our childcare fees are £102 per week and we get £38 a week help x

 

[baileybubs]

Thanks for that hun, I'll have a look for the calculator.

 

[Dinah93]

I would think you would qualify for a free 2 year old place, which is 15 hours a week, once she turns 2. Call your local council and ask but I think if you earn less than 16k you qualify.

 

[baileybubs]

I won't get that til September coz you only get it the beginning of the school term after your child turns 2.