Caithness parents urged to check if they can get help with childcare costs

Working parents in Caithness could be eligible for help with childcare costs this summer, according to a national advice agency.

New figures from HMRC show that thousands more Scottish families are now getting help with the cost of childcare.

The number of families using the Tax-Free Childcare scheme has risen to 36,095, an increase of 4925 compared to March last year.

The HMRC scheme provides government top-ups of up to £2000 per child each year, or £4000 for disabled children.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free advice service taxadvice.scot, is reminding parents to check their eligibility and sign up as the summer holidays approach.

Parents can use the scheme to help cover the cost of approved childcare, whether that is nursery care for younger children or wraparound care, after school clubs and holiday clubs for older children.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It is good news that more families are making use of this support, which can provide real help at a time when household budgets are stretched by the cost-of-living and energy crisis.

“But many parents are still missing out, often because they are unsure how the scheme works or whether they qualify.

“With schools breaking up in the coming weeks, it’s vital that families check their eligibility and sign up so they can get the help they need to cover childcare costs over the summer.

“Our free, impartial service at taxadvice.scot is here to help anyone who is worried or confused about Tax-Free Childcare or any other tax matter. People can visit taxadvice.scot or call 0800 756 3381 for support.”

Families could get support if they have a child or children aged 11 or under. Eligibility ends on September 1 following the child’s 11th birthday. For disabled children, families can receive up to £4000 a year until September 1 after the child’s 16th birthday.

Both the parent and their partner, if they have one, need to earn or expect to earn at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.

Each parent must earn no more than £100,000 per year.

Families cannot be receiving Universal Credit or childcare vouchers to qualify.

Parents can check their eligibility and apply at https://www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare.

Advice Direct Scotland is one of 12 voluntary and community organisations across the UK chosen by HMRC to provide tailored tax and benefits advice. It is the only organisation offering this service in Scotland.

Experts at taxadvice.scot can help with a wide range of issues, including Tax Credits and child benefits, as well as guidance on PAYE and self-assessment forms.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.