In this section:
If you’re already getting some tax credits it’s worth checking that what you get is roughly the same as what’s shown in your results from the calculator – otherwise you may be losing out. If you’re not already getting tax credits, you may still be able to get some tax credits payments, even if you take the childcare vouchers.
On this page:
The results from the calculator are only a guide to whether you would be better off taking vouchers or not. The calculator also does some rounding of figures to make it easier to use.
Your tax credits entitlement would be worked out when you actually make a claim - providing you qualify - or report a change of circumstances.
It’s up to you whether you decide to take part in your employer’s voucher
scheme.
You should also read the terms of your employer’s scheme and make sure
that you understand what they are offering you.
It’s a good to idea to check if the childcare vouchers affect any other
benefits you get, for example Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
If you decide to go ahead with the vouchers:
You can get a claim form by ringing the Tax Credit Helpline.
Contact the Tax Credit Helpline
If your circumstances change, for example your income goes down or your childcare costs change, you may want to come back to the calculator again.
Check whether the results from the calculator are roughly what you expected. You can do this by looking at your latest award notice.
If the amount of tax credits is different to what you expected, check that:
You may already be getting help with your childcare costs through tax credits. If you decide to accept vouchers, let the Tax Credit Office know if your vouchers reduce what you actually pay for childcare by £10 a week or more. You need to do this within one month.
Go back to start of the childcare vouchers and tax credits better off calculator
Contact the Tax Credit Helpline
You can get a claim form by ringing the Tax Credit Helpline.
Contact the Tax Credit Helpline
You will be told whether you qualify for tax credits. If you do, you will get an award notice. Check the notice straightaway to make sure there is nothing wrong, missing or incomplete.
If you think the amounts on your award notice are different to the results from the calculator, you can:
You will need to keep the Tax Credit Office up to date with any changes to your circumstances.
If the amount of tax credits is different to what you expected, check:
If you’ve not given the Tax Credit Office the right information, get in touch with them straightaway.
You may already be getting some tax credits, but not help with your childcare costs. If so, make a claim for the extra tax credits over the phone.
Contact the Tax Credit Helpline
Go back to start of the childcare vouchers and tax credits better off calculator
Checking your tax credits award notice
Changes you need to report and when for tax credits
Childcare costs – how to work them out for your tax credits claim
