Childcare costs : Free Benefits Check from Entitledto

As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for extra help towards the costs of childcare. If you are not sure if you qualify more information is available on when you can claim for childcare costs.

It can be up to a maximum of 80p for every £1 you pay out in childcare costs (70p for every £1 in 2005/06 and earlier years). There is a limit of £175 per week for one child and £300 per week for two or more.

You should enter the gross amount that you spend on childcare in an average week. The rules for calculating average childcare costs for Working Tax Credit are complex. For more information please see how to calculate childcare costs.

You can claim for any child up to September 1st following their 15th birthday. If your child is blind or disabled you can claim up to September 1st following their 16th birthday.

You cannot claim for the costs of childcare in your home if the childcare provider is a relative of the child. If you are unsure whether you can claim for your childcare arrangements or how to calculate your childcare costs you can get more information from HM Revenue and Customs' guide to tax credits and childcare.

If your employer gives you childcare vouchers or tokens to pay for relevant childcare you do not need to include the value of these tokens when you enter your income. You cannot claim for the cost of childcare that is paid for by your employer.