Working Tax Credits (the Childcare Element)
Anyone working 16 hours or more a week may be able eligible for Working Tax Credit. In addition, you may be able to get help with the cost of childcare through the childcare element which can pay up to 70% of your childcare costs, depending on your circumstances.
You may be eligible if
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You are a lone parent working 16 hours or more per week
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You are part of a couple and both of you are in paid employment for 16 hours or more
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One of you works 16 hours or more per week and the other does not
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Work, but is in hospital, in prison or incapacitated for childcare purposes
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If you use Ofsted registered childcare.
For more information contact the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or find information about tax credits on the HMRC website
Childcare Vouchers
An employer may run a Childcare Voucher Scheme as part of an employer’s benefit package, although usually they are offered as a part of a salary sacrifice scheme.
Childcare vouchers are Tax and National Insurance exempt for up to £55 per week and so Tax and NI contributions are only paid on the reduced level of salary you receive.
This may affect the amount of tax credits you can get. Contact HMRC on 0845 300 3900 for more information or complete their online calculator to help you decide whether you would be better off taking the childcare vouchers or not.
Further information and contacting us
If you need more information or would like to talk to us on a one to one basis, please contact us.
Phone
0800 952 5678 (freephone)
0116 225 4890 (local rate)
Online
Email: family@leicester.gov.uk
Website: http://families.leicester.gov.uk/
