HMRC has produced a new parent communications toolkit , to provide further information to parents about 30 hours and Tax-Free Childcare. The toolkit includes information on:
Customer journey infographics for both 30 hours and Tax-Free Childcare ‘Top things parents and providers should know’ Q&A A factsheet for parents on how they can use their 30 hours’ entitlement Pre-drafted emails to parents and providers to inform them of the application deadline and reconfirmations A glossary for parents and providers to help explain key words associated with 30 hours and Tax-Free Childcare.
HMRC has kindly provided us with a set of FAQs on Application and Reconfirmation :
Q. When should a parent apply for 30 hours free childcare?
A. Parents should apply as soon as possible. We strongly advise them to apply before 30 November to make sure they get their code in good time for next term. Not all parents can get a code straight away – HMRC sometimes needs more information to check whether a parent is eligible.
Q. How does a parent apply for a place?
A. They can apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours via www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. They will need their: National Insurance number Personal details. For example from a UK passport or driving licence. In most cases, a parent will be told instantly if their application is successful. For some parents, we will need additional information to find out whether they are eligible. We will contact them within 7 working days to request this. This is why parents should apply in good time. If a parent is found ineligible we will tell them why they're not eligible.
Q. If a parent has difficulties when applying, what should they do?
A. If a parent is having difficulties applying, they should contact the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097. The helpline is available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Q. When do parents need to reconfirm?
A. Parents need to confirm their details are up to date for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare every three months; this is known as reconfirmation.
If parents reconfirm and they’re no longer eligible, miss their reconfirmation deadline, or choose not to reconfirm, they will receive a message telling them that their eligibility has lapsed. If their child has started a 30 hours place, they will be able to continue their 30 hours childcare for a limited period known as the ‘grace period’. They should still reconfirm so that they can receive 30 hours for the following term. Parents can also continue to use their TFC childcare account, but will not receive the government top-up.
If a parent misses their reconfirmation deadline, they will still be able to reconfirm through their childcare service account.
Q. What is a grace period and how does it work?
A. If parents confirm their details and are: no longer eligible, misses the reconfirmation deadline, or chooses not to reconfirm and their child has started a 30 hours place, they will be able to retain their 30 hours free childcare for a limited period known as the grace period. Once the grace period has lapsed, they should be entitled to the universal 15 hour entitlement. If a child becomes ineligible during the first half of a term, they will be funded until the end of that term. If they become ineligible after half term, they will be funded until the next half term. Specific dates are listed in the Department’s statutory guidance (from page 10). Local authorities should complete an audit check on eligibility codes at six fixed points in the year, as set out in the table of local authority audit dates in the Department of Education’s Statutory Guidance. These audits will enable local authorities to determine which parents are still eligible, and which parents are now in their grace period. Local authorities are expected to pass on this information to the relevant providers as part of this audit process.
Q. How will parents know when they need to confirm their details are up to date (reconfirm)?
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Policy News Journal
cipp.org.uk
Page 181 of 516
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker