H E L P - Nursery / Childcare costs - Looking for any information.

[millie no nappies]

Hi

We are looking at sending our 3 year old to nursery soon.

It's very expensive. Does anyone know of any benefits that we may be entitled to.

My wife is starting a new job full time and i work full time, i have asked my employer if they do childcare vouchers, but they do not.

My wifes new employer probably does as she will be working in a school.

Anyone know how childcare vouchers work?

Any advice appreciated.

MNN.

[Conniff]

Maybe you should suggest your employer looks into it Mr millie as it can save them a lot of money as well as their employees, and all employers want to save money.

[millie no nappies]

Thanks conniff, i didn't know that it also saves them money, mind you i haven't a clue how it works at all.

MNN

[Conniff]

You/wife will pay for your childcare from your pay 'before' any taxes or national insurance is deducted.

This means that for tax and NI purposes you are earning less and so will be paying less in tax and NI, that means the employers contribution will be reduced as well as his contributions are a percentage of what you pay.

You earn £1,000 you pay tax and NI on £1,000.
Pay £250, (it's actually the first £55 per week), for childcare means you are only earning £750 so only pay tax and NI on £750 and so does the employer, happy all round.

[Zamzara]

Vouchers have largely been replaced by Working Tax Credit which can include an extra amount for childcare equal to 80% of your costs, though it is then reduced on a taper according to income.

Check entitledto.com to see what you can get.

[millie no nappies]

Thanks Zamzara,
Will check it out.

MNN

[emmaf01]

Try looking on the governments Surestart programme, about free nursery places for three and four year olds.

Sure Start - Nursery education for 3 & 4 year olds