I have been claiming child tax credits while on mat leave. I go back to work next week, part time at 2 days a week. My parents are looking after LO one day a week and we are putting him in a nursery the other day, so we are paying childcare for 1 day a week. OH doesn't earn a particularly high wage and I am only part time now therefore money is really tight and as you will all no doubt have experience of yourselves, childcare costs even just for one day are extortionate.
I phoned the tax credit helpline this morning to see if we are eligible for any extra for childcare and I was told both OH and I have to be working a minimum of 16 hours each a week to apply. In my 2 days I will be working 9 to 5 but I don't get paid for my one hour lunch break - does anyone know if this would mean I 'work' 14 or 16 hours a week?
The guy I spoke to on the tax credits line gave me an estimate of what we'd get if it was 16 hours I worked. My friend says she thinks it goes by money and not the hours I would be physically at work, however I can't help but hope that I can claim 16 hours a week as that's how long I will be in work a week, and shouldn't the fact that I am on 2 hours LESS pay matter?
I phoned the tax credit helpline this morning to see if we are eligible for any extra for childcare and I was told both OH and I have to be working a minimum of 16 hours each a week to apply. In my 2 days I will be working 9 to 5 but I don't get paid for my one hour lunch break - does anyone know if this would mean I 'work' 14 or 16 hours a week?
The guy I spoke to on the tax credits line gave me an estimate of what we'd get if it was 16 hours I worked. My friend says she thinks it goes by money and not the hours I would be physically at work, however I can't help but hope that I can claim 16 hours a week as that's how long I will be in work a week, and shouldn't the fact that I am on 2 hours LESS pay matter?
