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Tax Credits after You Have a Baby

Having a baby means you may qualify to claim tax credits. Claimants who already get tax credits may get more money if they have a baby.

The Tax Credits table lists the maximums you may get if you qualify for tax credits after having a baby.

Child Tax Credit: £3,325 per year (maximum)

Tax Credits for Childcare: Up to £122.50 a week (1 child): £210 a week (2 or more children)

Working Tax Credit: £1,960 per year (maximum)

Note: You will not know the exact amount you get until you apply. The tax credit calculator helps you work out the amount you can get.

Even when you stop work to have a baby you still qualify for Working Tax Credit:

The qualification criteria states you must have been working for at least 16 or 30 hours a week before your leave. The actual number working of hours depends on your household circumstances.


Claiming Tax Credits after Having a Baby

You can apply to claim tax credits if you have not yet applied. You can also update a claim if you already applied for Child or Working Tax Credit. Contact the Tax Credit Office to update a claim. There is no need to fill out a claim form.


When to make a Claim

Inform the Tax Credit Office within one (1) month of the birth. That means they can backdate your claim to the date of birth. If not, your tax credits can only get backdated by one month from the date of your claim.

An Example: You give birth to your baby on the 1st of September.
You should inform the Tax Credit Office on the 1st of the next January so your tax credits get backdated to the 1st of December. Telling them by the 1st of October means you would be getting tax credits from the 1st of September.


Tax Credits: Working out Childcare Costs

Most mothers can claim extra tax credits to help with childcare costs. You can make your claim one week (7 days) before you start paying for childcare.

You may need to report changes to the Tax Credit Office if you already claim for childcare costs and they have changed.

Only include costs you pay yourself when you calculate your childcare costs. Giving the wrong amount means you may not receive the correct credits. Your childcare calculation cannot include:

  • Childcare payments paid by your employer (money or childcare vouchers).
  • A salary sacrifice (childcare vouchers given in return for a pay reduction).
  • Childcare costs paid for by an educational or local authority (e.g. free early learning or nursery education).
  • Any childcare payments or grants through a government scheme (e.g. to help you start work).


How to Claim Tax Credits If You Have a Baby: Working out Childcare Costs