Financial help for Childcare Costs

Financial help may be available for parents to help pay for childcare. In order to claim the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit, Care to Learn funding or Employer Childcare Vouchers, the childcare you have chosen for your child has to be Registered with Ofsted.

Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit

• This benefit is means tested and so any funds that you are eligible for are based on your income.
• Please ring 0345 300 3900 for more information. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm Saturday, Closed Sundays, Christmas Day, Boxing day and New Years Day or visit the Revenue and Customs website.

Employer Childcare Vouchers

• Many employers offer their employees the opportunity to receive childcare vouchers as part of their salary.
• This scheme gives parents the option of having part of their salary paid in vouchers rather than cash. The employee will not pay Tax or National Insurance on this amount.
• The childminder then redeems the vouchers as part payment for childminding services.
• Any salary that is paid in childcare vouchers cannot be used to apply for the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit so you may need to consider carefully whether childcare vouchers are beneficial to you.
• To find out more contact Northamptonshire County Council on 01604 367935 or email and ask for information.
• To claim childcare vouchers as part of your salary, contact your employer.
• If you are an employer looking to offer assistance with childcare costs, HMRC have a factsheet available

Care to Learn

• If you are a parent under 20 years of age and wish to attend training, there is financial help available to pay the cost of your childcare from the Government under the Care to Learn Scheme.
• For more information please ring the Care to Learn helpline on 0800 121 8989 or speak to your local Connexions Personal Advisor.

For more information about possible help to pay for childcare while you attend training please see www.direct.gov.uk