Benefits are available from the government to support families in a range of circumstances. The following website provides information on the range of benefits available and eligibility criteria https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
Child Benefit is a payment that can be claimed from a child’s birth. Families may have to pay a tax charge if one partner’s individual income is over a certain limit. A claim pack can be obtained local Child Benefit Offices. For more information or to submit a claim online visit www.gov.uk/child-benefit
Childcare Vouchers provides savings for employers and employees. Employers may offer childcare vouchers (including vouchers in return for a reduction in pay – known as a salary sacrifice) to help with childcare costs. The may affect the amount of tax credits a family are entitled to. Childcare vouchers to pay for childcare that is registered by the Care Inspectorate. The following websites can give more information on childcare voucher schemes www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare or www.direct.gov.uk
As children return to school and some employees begin to move back into the workplace, the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt by families and across the childcare sector. Employers For Childcare has played a key role in helping families throughout this pandemic, and we continue to provide all of our services, including the processing of Childcare Vouchers and our charity's Family Benefits Advice Service, to parents, employers and childcare providers, at a time when our help and advice is needed more than ever.
To contact the team, call us on Freephone 0800 028 3008 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.
Citizen’s Adviceoffers free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues including benefits.
Glasgow City Council Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service is part of Social Work Services. In addition there is a central unit that provides training, tribunal representation and debt advice.
Tax Credits are payments from the government. A family may qualify for Child Tax Credit if they are responsible for at least one child or young person. If someone is in work, but are on a low income, the family may qualify for Working Tax Credit. There is a childcare element to Working Tax Credit which can offset childcare costs. This can only be used to pay for childcare that is registered by the Care Inspectorate. Child Tax Credit and the childcare element of Working Tax Credit are paid directly to the main carer. Further information on Tax Credits can be obtained from www.hmrc.gov.uk or by calling 0300 200 3300.