Childcare Changes And Assessing Childcare (AG)


To deal with childcare changes and assessing childcare, consider steps 1 - 26 below. The guide is presented as follows
 

Initial actionSteps 1 – 2
Contact the claimantStep 3
Check statusSteps 4 – 7
Assessing costsStep 8
Check if costs changed by £10.00 or more per weekStep 9 - 11
End current costsStep 12
Consider limiting backdating to 3 monthsStep 13
Enter child start dateSteps 14 - 15
New / additional childcare within or more than 3 months, claimant failed to notifyStep 16
More than 3 months increase / decrease not yet applied or decrease and claimant failed to notifyStep 17
Current childcare change within 3 months (notified today)Step 18
Current childcare provider costs increased, change more than 3 months, claimant failed to notify, (notified today)Step 19
Current childcare provider ended and new provider started, costs increased, change over 3 months, claimant failed to notify, (notified today)Step 20
Current childcare change over 3 months, increase / decrease not yet applied or decrease and claimant failed to notifyStep 21
Ceased childcare actionSteps 22 - 23
Amend FinishStep 24
Update Household NotesStep 25
Send to storageStep 26

up.gif (141 bytes) Initial action
 
1Before making any changes to the claim, you must follow the guidance in Establish If A Change Can Be Made

Then

  • If the change(s) can be made, go to step 2
2Consider the change reported, ensuring that the following information is provided
  • Where childcare costs have permanently ceased
  • How much did or will the claimant pay in the week of change
     
  • Date costs ended
  • Where there are changes to the current childcare provider
  • Name of the child(ren) that change relates to
     
  • Name and full address of the current childcare provider, including post code
     
  • Name of the local authority or other body that the current childcare provider is registered with or approved by (if applicable)
     
  • Childcare provider’s registration or approval number, if the childcare provider is in England
Note: If the childcare provider is not in England, they may not have a registration or approval number. If this is the case, consider the guidance in Evidence Of Registration
  • Where there is a new or additional childcare provider
  • Name of the child(ren) that change relates to
     
  • Name and full address of new childcare provider, including post code
     
  • Name of the local authority or other body that new childcare provider is registered with or approved by (if applicable)
     
  • New childcare provider’s registration or approval number, if the childcare provider is in England
     
  • If this is a lone parent who lives in the London area ask them if the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have paid up front childcare costs direct to their childcare provider and if they have, for what period did they pay them
Note: If the childcare provider is not in England, they may not have a registration or approval number. If this is the case, consider the guidance in Evidence Of Registration
  • Where there are new or there is a change to current childcare costs
  • What are the old childcare costs (if costs have changed)
     
  • Are the current costs based on a fixed or variable calculation
     
  • What are the new childcare costs. For more information, refer to the Assessing costs part of this Information page
     
  • What date did the new costs start
     
  • If there is a change in costs, how much did or will the claimant pay in the week of change
     
  • If there is a change in costs and the new costs are fixed weekly, will the new fixed weekly costs last 4 weeks or more

Then

  • If all the information has not been provided, go to step 3
     
  • If all the information has been provided, go to step 4

up.gif (141 bytes) Contact the claimant
 
3Contact the claimant by telephone for any missing information. Follow the guidance in Contacting The Claimant
  • If you are able to contact the claimant by telephone and obtain all the missing information, go to step 4
     
  • If you are unable to contact the claimant by telephone
  • Send form TC664 to the claimant for the missing information, then go to step 25
  • If you cannot obtain the missing information after following the normal reminder cycle, go to step 25

up.gif (141 bytes) Check status
 
4Use Function AMEND APPLICATION selecting the Change of Circumstances option
  • Enter the NINO in the Key Entry Data screen
     
  • Select the All checkbox
     
  • Click on the [OK] button
     
  • If the Select Application screen is displayed, select the claim(s) affected by this change
  • If the claim is pre award, go to step 5
     
  • If the claim is post award, go to step 6
     
  • If the claim is ‘withdrawn’ or ’rejected’ invite the claimant to make a new claim with the amended information. Send any correspondence to storage, and follow the guidance in Invite Fresh Claim
5If the claim is pre-award a message will display ‘Details must be recorded on the Free Format screen. Do you wish to proceed?’
  • Click on the [Yes] button
     
  • Enter the reason for the change in the Free Format screen. For example, ‘Childcare permanently ceased’ and the details required from the list below
  • Where childcare costs have permanently ceased
  • Name of the child(ren) that change relates to
     
  • Name of the provider whose costs have permanently ceased
     
  • Date costs ended
     
  • How much did or will the claimant pay in the week of change
  • Where there are changes to current childcare provider
  • Name of the child(ren) that change relates to
     
  • Name and full address of the current childcare provider, including post code
     
  • Name of the local authority or other body that current childcare provider is registered with or approved by (if applicable)
     
  • Childcare provider’s registration or approval number, if the childcare provider is in England
Note: If the childcare provider is not in England, they may not have a registration or approval number. If this is the case, consider the guidance in Evidence Of Registration
  • Where there is a new or additional childcare provider
  • Name of the child(ren) that change relates to
     
  • Name and full address of new childcare provider. including post code and telephone number
     
  • Name of the local authority or other body that new childcare provider is registered with or approved by (if applicable)
     
  • New childcare provider’s registration or approval number, if the childcare provider is in England
Note: If the childcare provider is not in England, they may not have a registration or approval number. If this is the case, consider the guidance in Evidence Of Registration
  • Where there are new or there is a change to current childcare costs
  • What are the old childcare costs, (if costs have changed)
     
  • Are the new childcare costs based on a fixed or variable calculation
     
  • What are the new weekly costs. For more information, refer to the Assessing costs part of this Information page
     
  • If there is a change in costs, how much did or will the claimant pay in the week of change
     
  • If there is a change in costs and the new costs are fixed weekly, will the new fixed weekly costs last 4 weeks or more
     
  • Date notified of the change

Note: The changes will be stored on the Free Format screen. Once the claim has been awarded, this will create an entry on the ‘Unprocessed Change of Circumstances’ Work List

Then

  • Go to step 26
6If the claim is post award you will be taken to the Applicant Details screen
  • If this is a new claim to childcare (child not currently in childcare), go to step 8
     
  • If an additional childcare provider needs to be added, go to step 7
     
  • If the current provider has ended and a new provider needs to be added (child currently in childcare) and the costs have changed, go to step 7
     
  • If the current provider is staying the same but the costs have changed (child currently in childcare), go to step 7
     
  • If the current provider has ended and a new provider needs to be added (child currently in childcare) but there is no change to current costs. You must end the current costs before applying the new details, go to step 12
     
  • If claimant has reported that childcare has permanently ceased or that it is due to cease within the next 7 days, go to step 22
     
  • If claimant has reported that childcare is due to cease in more than 7 days, advise claimant to contact the Tax Credit Office (TCO) again once the costs have ceased, go to step 25
7Confirm the pay frequency of the new childcare costs
  • If the new costs are paid at the same amount weekly and
  • They are not expected to last for 4 consecutive weeks, telephone the claimant and advise them that you cannot accept the change. Follow the guidance in Contacting The Claimant, and then go to step 25
     
  • They are expected to last for 4 consecutive weeks, go to step 8
  • If the new costs are paid by any other frequency, go to step 8


up.gif (141 bytes) Assessing costs

8To assess childcare costs, you must calculate a weekly childcare figure from the information provided. Refer to childcare example 1
 

Note: When considering if the childcare costs have increased or decreased by £10.00 per week or more, you need to look at the total childcare costs, not just individual costs

Then, if there is a
  • Change to existing costs / provider (child currently in childcare), go to step 9
     
  • New claim to childcare (child not currently in childcare) or an additional childcare provider, go to step 13

up.gif (141 bytes) Check if costs changed by £10.00 or more per week
 
9Check whether the total childcare costs have changed by £10.00 or more per week
  • If the change to the total childcare costs is less than £10.00 per week, but the childcare provider has changed, go to step 12
     
  • If the change to the total childcare costs / provider is £10.00 or more per week, go to step 10
     
  • If the change to the total childcare costs is less than £10.00 per week and childcare provider has not changed, telephone the claimant advise them that the change can not be made, then go to step 25
10If the costs have changed by £10.00 per week or more, you will need to calculate the effective date of the new costs. Refer to childcare example 3
 

If the calculated effective date of the new childcare costs is

  • More than 8 days in the future from today’s processing date, set up a clerical BF, go to step 25

Note: The system will not let you enter a start date which is more than 8 days in the future

  • Within 8 days from today’s processing date
  • Check if there has been a change to childcare provider / costs within 4 weeks of the effective date of the change you are now dealing with. Refer tochildcare example 4
  • If the effective date is within 4 weeks of a previous change, go to step 11
     
  • If the effective date for the new childcare costs is not within 4 weeks of a previous change, go to step 12
Note: When childcare costs decrease, a 4 week run on is applied to the old costs before applying the new costs
 
11If the claimant reports a change of childcare provider and costs and then reports a further change within 4 weeks of the 1st change occurring, ensure that there is no overlap or gap in the childcare costs

In the Childcare Details screen
  • Click on the original provider
     
  • Click on the [Change] button
     
  • Click on the appropriate costs to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Change] button and amend the previously entered end date. Use the Saturday prior to the Sunday effective date for the new change

     

  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Change Childcare Provider screen
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
Then
  • Go to step 13

up.gif (141 bytes) End current costs
 
12Where current childcare costs and / or provider have changed, the current costs must be ended

To change the costs for provider 1
  • In the Applicant Details screen, select ‘CC’ on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
     
  • Click on the childcare provider that the change relates to
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. You will be taken to the Change Childcare Provider screen
     
  • Click on the appropriate tax year
     
  • In the Costs field, click on the latest weekly costs for that year to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Amend Cost screen will display
     
  • Enter the appropriate end date, if
  • There is an increase in costs, enter the Saturday date prior to the date of the change
     
  • There is a decrease in costs, enter the 4th consecutive Saturday date following the date of change
     
  • The childcare provider has ended and a new provider is to be added, but the costs are unchanged, use the Saturday date prior to the date of the change
Then
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Change Childcare Provider screen
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
     
  • Go to step 13

Notes:

  1. You will need to repeat this action if you are to end more than one provider / costs
     
  2. If it is a new child to be added to a childcare provider already held on the computer, follow the relevant bullet under current childcare provider costs have changed at step 13

up.gif (141 bytes) Consider limiting backdating to 3 months
 
13Note:If you have multiple changes you may need to come back to this step to take appropriate action for each change

Note: For information on a 3 month restriction applied to a change of circumstance, follow the guidance in Effective Date Of A Change Of Circumstances

Consider the following, if
  • There is a new claim to childcare, (child not currently in childcare)
  • And the start date is within 3 months (before today’s processing date), refer to childcare example 5, then go to step 14
     
  • And the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date) because the claimant failed to notify the change in time, refer to childcare example 6, then go to step 14
     
  • And the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date) because the change has not yet been applied, (and the claimant originally notified the Tax Credit Office (TCO) within 3 months), refer to childcare example 7, then go to step 15
  • There is an additional childcare provider to be added to child, (currently in childcare)
  • And the start date is within 3 months, refer to childcare example 8, then go to step 16
     
  • And the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date) because the claimant failed to notify the change in time, refer to childcare example 9, go to step 16
     
  • And the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date) because the change has not yet been applied, (and the claimant originally notified TCO within 3 months), refer to childcare example 10, then go to step 17
  • The current childcare provider and costs have ended, and a new childcare provider and costs are to be added
  • And the start date is within 3 months, refer to childcare example 11, then go to step 16
     
  • And the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date) because the change has not yet been applied, (and the claimant originally notified TCO within 3 months), refer to childcare example 12, then go to step 17
     
  • And the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date) because the claimant failed to notify the change in time and the new costs have decreased or remained the same, refer to childcare example 13, then go to step 17
     
  • And the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date) because the claimant failed to notify the change in time and the new costs have increased, refer to childcare example 14, then go to step 20
  • The current childcare provider costs have changed
  • And the start date is within 3 months (before today’s processing date), refer to childcare example 15, then go to step 18
     
  • And the current provider costs have increased and the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date), because the claimant failed to notify the change in time, refer to childcare example 16, then go to step 19
     
  • And the current provider costs have decreased and the start date is more than 3 months (before today’s processing date), because the claimant failed to notify the change in time, refer to childcare example 17, then go to step 21
     
  • And the current provider costs have increased or decreased and the start date is more than 3 months (before today's processing date), because the change has not yet been applied, (and the claimant originally informed TCO within 3 months), refer to childcare example 18, then go to step 21

up.gif (141 bytes) Enter child start date
 
14Use Function AMEND APPLICATION, choosing the change of circumstances option
  • Select ‘Ch’ on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Child Details screen
     
  • Click on the child who has started childcare for the first time to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Correction] button. The Correction Child screen for that child will display
     
  • Enter the Sunday prior to the start date of the childcare in the ‘In Childcare’ Start Date field
Note: Where childcare starts on a Sunday that date should be used, not the previous one


Note: When you move to the next field the warning message ‘3 month restriction applied to Include from date. Check if correct’ may display. Click on the [OK] button. This will delete the message

Note: If the 3 month restriction message displays, do not amend the Include From date

  • Click on the [OK] button. The Child Details screen will display
Note: You will need to follow this action for any child (who isn’t currently in childcare) and who is having childcare claimed for them for the first time

Then
  • If it is a new child to be added to a childcare provider already held on the computer, go back to step 12
     
  • Otherwise, go to step 16
15Select ‘Ch’ on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Child Details screen
  • Click on the child who has started childcare for the first time to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Correction] button. The Correction Child screen for that child will display
     
  • Enter the Sunday prior to the start date of the child care in the ‘In Childcare’ Start Date field

Note: If this is a new claim to childcare and DWP have paid up front childcare costs direct to the claimants childcare provider, you must use the day after DWP stopped paying the childcare costs as the start date

Note: When you move to the next field the warning message ‘3 month restriction applied to include from date. Check if correct’ may display. Click on the [OK] button. This will delete the message

  • Select ‘History’ on the toolbar menu
     
  • Click on the [History] button. The History screen will display
     
  • Click on the appropriate History record to highlight it
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Change screen will display
     
  • Change the include from date to the same as the start date
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The History screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Correction Child screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Child Details screen will display
Note: You will need to follow this action for any child (who isn’t currently in childcare) and who is having childcare claimed for them for the first time

Then
  • If it is a new child to be added to a childcare provider already held on the computer, go back to step 12
     
  • Otherwise, go to step 17

up.gif (141 bytes) New / additional childcare within or more than 3 months, claimant failed to notify
 
16If you are not already in the Childcare Details screen, select ‘CC’ on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
  • Click on the [New] button
     
  • Enter the new childcare provider details
     
  • Enter the start date for the appropriate year that the change relates to
Notes: You will enter a different start date dependant on whether this is a new claim to childcare (and child is not currently in childcare) or if current childcare costs have increased or decreased by £10.00 or more per week or remained the same
  • If this is a new claim to childcare (and child is not currently in childcare), use the Sunday prior to the date of the change as the start date, except if childcare started on a Sunday in which case use that date
     
  • If this is a new claim to childcare and DWP have paid up front childcare costs direct to the claimants childcare provider, use the day after DWP stopped paying the childcare costs as the start date
  • If the error message ‘Applicant 1 and / or 2 not working 16 hours and not incapacitated for childcare purposes’ displays, click on the [OK] button. This will delete the message
     
  • Select the appropriate ‘Wk ’on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Work Details screen
     
  • Check the date the claimant actually started working. This will be a date after the date childcare actually started
     
  • Use the job start date as the childcare start date
  • If there is an increase in current costs or additional providers need to be added, enter Sunday prior to the date of the change
     
  • If there is a decrease in costs, enter the 4th consecutive Sunday date following the date of change
     
  • If the childcare provider has ended and a new provider is to be added, but the current costs are unchanged, use the Sunday prior to the date of the change
Note: When you move to the next field the warning message ‘3 month restriction applied to include from date. Check if correct’ may display. Click on the [OK] button. This will delete the message
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Details screen will display
Note: Consider if there are any other changes which need to be applied before going to Amend Finish. For example, child already in childcare has a new provider and costs in addition to claiming childcare costs for a new child for the first time

Then
  • If further changes are required, go back to step 13
     
  • If no further changes are required
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Amend Finish screen
     
  • Go to step 24

up.gif (141 bytes) More than 3 months increase / decrease not yet applied or decrease and claimant failed to notify
 
17If you are not already in the Childcare Details screen, select ‘CC’ on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
  • Click on the [New] button
     
  • Enter the new childcare provider details
     
  • Enter the start date for the appropriate year that the change relates to
Notes: You will enter a different start date dependant on whether the childcare costs have increased or decreased by £10.00 or more per week or remained the same
  • If this is a new claim to childcare (and the child is not currently in childcare), use the Sunday prior to the date of the change as the start date, except if childcare started on a Sunday in which case use that date
     
  • If there is an increase in current costs or additional providers need to be added, enter the Sunday prior to the date of the costs change as the start date, except if childcare started on a Sunday in which case use that date
     
  • If there is a decrease in current costs. Refer to childcare example 3
     
  • If the childcare provider has ended and a new provider is to be added but the costs are unchanged, use the Sunday prior to the date of the change as the start date, except if childcare started on a Sunday in which case use that date

Note: When you move to the next field, the warning message ‘3 month restriction applied to include from date. Check if correct’, may display. To delete this message, click on the [OK] button

Note: Because the change occurred more than 3 months (before today’s processing date), the Include From Date field will automatically be displayed with a date 3 months before today’s date

  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Details screen will display
     
  • Click on the provider the change relates to, to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • Click on the costs for the appropriate year to highlight them
     
  • Click the [Change] button. The Amend Cost screen will display
     
  • Change the include from date so that it is the same as the start date
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Change Childcare Provider screen
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
Note: Consider if there are any other changes which need to be applied before going to the Amend Finish screen. For example, child already in childcare has a new provider and costs, in addition to claiming childcare costs for a new child for the first time

Then
  • If further changes are required, go back to step 13
     
  • If no further changes are required
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Amend Finish screen
     
  • Go to step 24

up.gif (141 bytes) Current childcare change within 3 months (notified today)
 
18In the Childcare Details screen, click on the childcare provider that the change relates to, to highlight them
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • Click on the appropriate year the change relates to
     
  • Click on the appropriate costs to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Add] button
     
  • Enter the start date for the appropriate year that the change relates to
Notes: You will enter a different start date dependant on whether the childcare costs have increased or decreased by £10.00 or more per week
  • If there is an increase in current costs, enter the Sunday prior to the date of change
     
  • If there is a decreases in costs, enter the 4th consecutive Sunday following the date of change
  • Enter the new weekly costs
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Change Provider screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Details screen will display
Note: Consider if there are any other changes which need to be applied before going to the Amend Finish screen. For example, child already in childcare has a new provider and costs, in addition to claiming childcare costs for the new child for the first time

Then
  • If further changes are required, go back to step 13
     
  • If no further changes are required
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Amend Finish screen
     
  • Go to step 24

up.gif (141 bytes) Current childcare provider costs increased, change more than 3 months, claimant failed to notify, (notified today)
 
19In the Childcare Details screen, click on the childcare provider that the change relates to, to highlight them
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • In the Costs field, click on the CY claim
     
  • Click on the appropriate costs to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Add] button. The Add Costs field will display
     
  • Enter the start date as the Sunday following the previous end date entered

Note: When you move to the next field, the warning message ‘3 months restriction applied to include from date. Check if correct’ may display. Click on the [OK] button. This will delete the message

Note: Because the change occurred more than 3 months before you were notified, the Include From Date field will automatically be displayed with a date 3 months before today’s date
  • Make a note of the existing include from date
     
  • Delete the existing include from date
     
  • In the Include From Date field, enter the same date as in the start date field
     
  • Enter the end date, in the End Date field, as the day prior to the include from date previously noted
     
  • Enter the old weekly costs in the Costs field. Do not include the new costs
     
  • Click on the [OK] button
Note: You must then record the new costs. Backdate the new costs to the 3 months limit
  • Click on the [Add] button
     
  • Enter the start date, in the Start Date field, as the include from date previously noted
Note: The Include From Date field will automatically be displayed with a date 3 months before today’s date, (the same date as the start date entered)
  • Enter the new costs in the Weekly Costs field
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Details screen will display
Note: Consider if there are any other changes which need to be applied before going to the Amend Finish screen. For example, child already in childcare has a new provider and costs, in addition to claiming childcare costs for the new child for the first time

Then
  • If further changes are required, go back to step 13
     
  • If no further changes are required
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Amend Finish screen will display
     
  • Go to step 24

up.gif (141 bytes) Current childcare provider ended and new provider started, costs increased, change over 3 months, claimant failed to notify, (notified today)
 
20In the Childcare Details screen, click on the [New] button
  • Enter new childcare provider details
Note: For information on adding a childcare provider follow the guidance Adding A Childcare Provider
  • Enter the old weekly costs for the previous childcare provider for the CY claim. Do not include the new costs
     
  • Enter the start date (of the Sunday following the previous end date entered)
Note: When you move to the next field, the warning message ‘3 month restriction applied to include from date. Check if correct’ may display. Click on the [OK] button. This will delete the message
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Details screen will display
     
  • Click on the new childcare provider to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • In the Costs field, click on the CY claim
     
  • Click on the appropriate costs to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Amend Cost field will display
     
  • Make a note of the existing include from date
     
  • Delete the existing include from date
     
  • In the Include From Date field, enter the same date as the Start Date field
     
  • Enter the end date, in the End date field, as the day prior to the include from date previously noted
     
  • Enter the old childcare provider costs in the Costs field. Do not include the new costs
     
  • Click on the [OK] button
Note: You must then record the new costs. Backdate the new costs to the 3 months limit
  • Click on the [Add] button
     
  • Enter the start date, in the Start Date field, as the include from date previously noted
Note: The Include From Date field will automatically be displayed with a date 3 months before today’s date (the same date as the start date entered)
  • Enter the new costs in the Weekly Costs field
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Details screen will display
Note: Consider if there are any other changes which need to be applied before going to the Amend Finish screen. For example, child already in childcare has a new provider and costs, in addition to claiming childcare for the new child for the first time
 
Then
  • If further changes are required, go back to step 13
     
  • If no further changes are required
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Amend Finish screen will display
     
  • Go to step 24

up.gif (141 bytes) Current childcare change over 3 months – increase / decrease not yet applied or decrease and claimant failed to notify
 
21In the Child Details screen, click on the childcare provider that the change relates to
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • In the Costs field, click on the appropriate tax year
     
  • Click on the appropriate costs to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Add] button. The Add Cost field will display
     
  • In the Start Date field, enter the date of the day after the previous end date
Note: When you move to the next field, the warning message ‘3 month restriction applied to include from date. Check if correct’ will display. Click on the [OK] button. This will delete the message

Note: Because the change occurred more than 3 months before today’s processing date, the Include From Date field may automatically be displayed with a date 3 months before today’s date
  • Change the include from date so that it is the same as the start date
     
  • Enter the new weekly costs
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Change Childcare Provider screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Childcare Details screen will display
Note: Consider if there are any other changes which need to be applied before going to the Amend Finish screen. For example, child already in childcare has a new provider and costs, in addition to claiming childcare costs for a new child for the first time

Then
  • If further changes are required, go back to step 13
     
  • If no further changes are required
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Amend Finish screen
     
  • Go to step 24

up.gif (141 bytes) Ceased childcare action
 
22Where childcare costs have permanently ceased or the claimant(s)are no longer eligible to claim childcare costs, then the current costs must be ended
  • In the Applicant Details screen, select ‘CC’ on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
     
  • Click on the childcare provider that the change relates to, to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. You will be taken to the Change Childcare Provider screen
     
  • Click on the appropriate tax year
     
  • In the costs field, click on the weekly costs for that year to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Change] button. The Amend Cost Screen will display
     
  • Enter the appropriate end date in the End Date field
  • If childcare has permanently ceased, enter the 4th consecutive Saturday date after the week that childcare ceased. For example, childcare ceased on 18/01/2008, enter an end date of 16/02/2008
     
  • If the claimant’s responsibility for the child has ended, enter the date responsibility for that child ended

For example: If the child has died, enter the date of death as the end date

  • If claimant(s) job has ended or reduced to less than 16 hours and they are no longer entitled to claim childcare, enter the date the job ended or when the hours reduced to less than 16 hours
     
  • If the claimant starts paying all their childcare costs through a voucher scheme paid through their employer, enter the day prior to the date the claimant started to pay by voucher
Note: The amount in the weekly cost field should remain the same

Note: If the error message ‘Changes in costs must be more than £9.99’ displays, make a note of all the costs and dates. Then delete them all and complete the Amend Finish screen. Then enter Function AMEND APPLICATION again and re-enter all the costs and dates in the same go. This will allow any costs £10.00 a week or less to cease, but will produce two award notices
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Change Childcare Provider screen, which will show the current costs as ended
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. You will be taken to the Childcare Details screen
Note: You will need to repeat this action if you are to end more than one provider

Then
  • Go to step 23
23In the Childcare Details screen
  • Select ‘Ch’ on the toolbar menu. You will be taken to the Child Details screen
     
  • Click on the appropriate child to highlight them
     
  • Click on the [Correction] button. You will be taken to the Correction Child screen
     
  • Enter the end date of the childcare in the In Childcare field, this will be the same as costs end date
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Child Details screen will display
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The Amend Finish screen will display
     
  • Go to step 24

up.gif (141 bytes) Amend Finish
 
24On the Amend Finish screen
  • Enter the date the notification of the change was received
     
  • Enter the source of the change, for example telephone or paper
     
  • Enter the reason for the change
     
  • Click on the [OK] button. The computer will now automatically accept the change of circumstances and will apply the change at the effective date
Note: The changes you have made in this function will not be applied until you complete the Amend Finish screen
  • If the message ‘S18 Refinalisation Rules – Potential inappropriate refinalisation for CCYY–CCYY. If you have the authority to refinalise under S19, S20 or S21 of the Tax Credit Act 2002 or due to an appeal decision. Press OK to process the change or Cancel’ displays

Then, if you can make the change

  • Click on the [OK] button on the message
     
  • Go to step 25
  • If the message ‘S18 Refinalisation Rules – Actual Income for CCYY-CCYY is required. This change will not be accepted’ displays

Then, if you can make the change

  • Click on the [OK] button on the message
     
  • Go to step 25
  • If the message ‘S18 Refinalisation Rules – You do not have the authority to refinalise CCYY-CCYY. This change will not be accepted. Please refer to the appropriate team’ displays
  • The changes you are making will refinalise the claim
     
  • Click on the [Cancel] button. You will be taken to the Amend Application Details screen
     
  • Click on the [Cancel] button
     
  • When the message ‘All changes to the application will be lost for this session, do you wish to proceed?’ displays, click on the [Yes] button
     
  • Pass the case to a Level 2 User or your manager. For more information on Level 1 and Level 2 users, see Level 1 and Level 2 User Roles
     
  • Take no further action
  • If none of the above messages display, go to step 25

up.gif (141 bytes) Update Household Notes
 
25Use Function MAINTAIN HOUSEHOLD NOTES and select the ‘General’ category to record the action you have taken

Note: The message you need to record will be dependent on what action you have taken

Enter any of the messages that applies below
  • Step 3 - ‘ NC83 - COC corre re (details), further info needed. UTC X 2. Letter (details) issued to (details). BF (DD/MM/YY). Corre rec (DD/MM/YY) from (source)’
     
  • Step 3 – ‘ NC85 - (Form number or letter) not received. 28 day reminder cycle has expired. Case sent to storage’
     
  • Step 6 – ‘ NC58 - Contacted (enter claimant’s name) advised that they will contact us again once childcare has ceased’
     
  • Step 7 – ‘ NC60 - Contacted (enter claimant’s name) advised we are unable to apply the change to childcare as change to last less than 4 weeks’
     
  • Step 9 - ‘ NC59 - Contacted (enter claimant’s name) advised cannot accept the change of childcare as change is less than £10.00 per week (Include date notified and the date(s) and amounts of the actual change)’
     
  • Step 10 – ‘ NC57 - COC CC costs decreased on DD/MM/YYYY from £xx.xx to £xx.xx. unable to apply change until DD/MM/YYYY’
     
  • Step 24
  • NC51 - End date of (DD/MM/YY) for CCP (enter details) and CCC for (child name) entered on system. Corre rec (DD/MM/YY) from (source)‘
     
  • NC52 - CCC from (CCP details) changed on system from £(XXXX) to £(XXXX) on (DD/MM/YY). *3 month restriction applied. (*delete as appropriate). Corre rec (DD/MM/YY) from (source)’
     
  • NC53 - COC (start/end) CC for (name) (DD/MM/YY). *3 month restriction applied. (*delete as appropriate). Corre rec (DD/MM/YY) from (source)’
     
  • NC54 - COC CHCP costs changed from £(XXXX) to £(XXXX). *3 month restriction applied. (*delete as appropriate). Corre rec (DD/MM/YY) from (source)’

Or

  • NC55 - COC (New/end) CHCP (DD/MM/YY) (name, reg no, costs if starting). *3 month restriction applied. (*delete as appropriate). Corre rec (DD/MM/YY) from (source)’

Notes:

You must follow the guidance in How To Correctly Complete Application And Household Notes when you record the note

And also

Follow the guidance in Maintain Household Notes

  • Go to step 26

up.gif (141 bytes) Send to storage
 
26Send the correspondence to storage . Follow the guidance in Preparing And Sending Documents For Storage