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Benefits for childminders

 
If you are working as a registered childminder or are thinking of becoming one, read this page carefully. We can help you work out which benefits and/or tax credits you may be able claim on top of your earnings.

Starting out?

You may be able to get a childminding start-up grant to help towards the cost of setting up in business.

You may also be able to claim a Job Grant of up to £250 if you stop getting income support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance because you start working for 16 hours or more a week.

Benefits can sometimes continue for up to four weeks after you start work. For more information, see our starting work page or contact Greenwich Welfare Rights Service.

Already registered?

If you are already working as a registered childminder, the main benefits and/or tax credits you may be able to claim on top of your earnings are:

  • Child Tax Credit (for your children)
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Income Support
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • Housing Benefit.
Some of these benefits have special rules about childminders' earnings, which mean childminders are more likely to get help than people doing other types of work.

It is best to get a full benefit check, as everybody's situation is different. Contact Greenwich Welfare Rights Service using the number on the right or our online enquiry form.

Further information

Remember, childminders are self-employed and therefore liable to pay income tax and national insurance contributions.

You can get further advice about paying tax and National Insurance from the HMRC Woolwich Business Support Team on 020 8836 9637.

The National Insurance Helpline for newly self-employed people is 0845 154 515.

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