Help with childcare costs

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).

From 2001 these maximum levels will increase to £135 for one child adn £200 for two or more children.

For more information about working parents’ rights see the Maternity Alliance website.

Or contact THE MATERNITY ALLIANCE at:
45 Beech Street
London EC2P 2LX
Information line: 020 7588 8582