Maintenance + Nursery Fees

Lou,
thanks for this. I hadn't realised this (thankfully not a situation I've been in so lucky I haven't got myself into trouble). Basically, you're saying if a NRP is receiving a CSA reduction for having a child overnight, the PWC shouldn't be claiming childcare costs through Tax Credits on that same day? Can you confirm/deny that? I think it would be helpful for many of us to be clear on that before we get ourselves into trouble!

Out of interest, if a private arrangement for maintenance is in place, can the PWC 'get away' with claiming the Tax Credits (in other words, a private arrangement would make it harder for the Tax Credit people to see whether or not reductions were being made on the number of nights a child is staying with the NRP?). I am right in thinking that any maintenance paid isn't taken into account for Tax Credit calculations?

thanks xx

I@m no expert mumtoboys but I can share my experience.
I naively thought on 1st claiming tax credits that you had to give them approximate child care costs and these were added to your claim at a rate of 80% or whatever.
Anyway, at the end of the tax year the child care provider is contacted to ask how much you've paid them that year...and if you've paid less than tax credits have paid out you're in trouble.
I ended up having to pay back £1500 2 years ago as ex had kids few times, my child minder was ill / on hols for 4 weeks etc...it all adds up...now I wont use paid child care as TCO cant get it right and it worries me!
Lou xx

Thanks Lou, that's helpful. I am at the point of shifting from 14 to 16 hours so it's pertinent at the moment. I am obviously going to need to seek some advice as like you, can ill afford to be paying anyone back.

Will let you know if I get anywhere!