As home based child carers can be an ‘approved’ form of childcare, you can claim back up to 80% of £175 per week for the first child, and up to 80% of £300 per week for 2 children or more through the governments Tax Credit Scheme. Lone parents need to work a minimum of 16hrs per week and in familes with two parents, in most cases, both must work 16hrs or more in order to make a claim though the Working Tax Credits. Carers can only become approved on the request of a parent and will need a basic childcare qualification and a first aid certificate relevant to childcare.
The amount you can claim will depend on your income and individual circumstances. For more information on what you could be entitled to through the childcare element of Working Tax Credits, phone the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 3003900 or click on http://www.payingforchildcare.org.uk
