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Daycare Trust : Paying for childcare – new online resource

Daycare Trust has launched a new website - http://www.payingforchildcare.org.uk - a one-stop guide through the maze of finding help with childcare costs.

The website provides targeted information for a wide range of circumstances – aimed at working parents, those thinking of studying or training, and parents of disabled children. It provides easy-to-read introductions to each of the main types of benefits, grants and subsidies that are available to help ease the financial burden of paying for childcare.

“Childcare costs are soaring and the credit crunch is starting to bite, so it’s more important than ever that parents get all the help they’re entitled to,” said Information Manager Lucy Bosher. “We hope that www.payingforchildcare.org.uk will take some of the mystery out of the complex mix of financial help with childcare costs that is available to parents.”

A main feature of the new website is the Tax Credit Checker, a quick and easy click-through tool which can tell you if you’re likely to be eligible for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. This can pay up to 80 per cent of the cost of eligible childcare, but very few parents apply for it. The Checker is intended for use by parents and those who advise parents on a regular basis, but have little knowledge of the help available through tax credits.

“Many people seem to think that tax credits are only for those on the lowest incomes,” said Lucy. “They are means-tested, so you will only qualify for the maximum help if you’re on a low income, but if you’re eligible for Working Tax Credit at all, you could well be entitled to some help with your childcare costs and many parents are missing out.”

The website, designed by Guardian Professional, has been produced with financial support from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It will complement Daycare Trust’s existing suite of information services for parents and carers, including its Information Line (020 7840 3350, 10.00am-5.00pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) and website http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk.