Tag: childcare

If you're planning to go back to work after your baby is born, child care is a major concern. Your childcare provider will be spending a lot of time with your child, so it is critical that you be comfortable with the environment and the style of care your child will be receiving. There are several alternatives, each with pros and cons. Spend some time evaluating each option, so that you can make the choice that best suits your needs.

Some working parents can get help towards the cost of childcare. The Maternity Alliance fill you in If you receive Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) you may also be able to claim childcare tax credit. You'll qualify for help with childcare costs if:

* you're a single parent working at least 16 hours a week, or live as a couple where each of you works at least 16 hours a week or one of you is disabled, and * you pay for registered childcare (e.g. a childminder, nursery, playscheme or out-of-school club) and * you qualify for Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)

If you qualify you can get extra WFTC which will pay for up to 70% of your childcare costs up to a maximum cost of £100 for one child or £150 for two or more children. This means that the childcare tax credit is worth up to £70 a week (one child) or £105 a week (two or more children).