It Takes a Village
The saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child”, and I couldn’t be more thankful for mine. Too often they’ve answered my SOS calls to pick up poorly children, grab milk from the shop or sew in labels to school uniform, as well as looking after them on weekdays so I can be in the office and Steve can chase after sheep.
Like us, many families rely heavily on grandparents to enable them to combine paid work and family life. Recognising the invaluable role that grandparents play in childcare, the Government introduced the Specified Adult Childcare credits in April 2011, some 12 years ago. It is thanks to social media campaigns from parenting groups, that this little-known benefit has seen some media attention over the past few months.
How does it work?
The credit works by transferring the weekly National Insurance credit a parent gets, as the recipient of Child Benefit, to the Grandparent (or eligible family member), which can help plug any gaps in a National Insurance record. Relatively simple really, but it does have its conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for the credit, as long as:
- You are an eligible family member who provides care for a child under 12
- You were over 16 and under State Pension age when you provided care for the child
- You ordinarily reside in the UK
- The child’s parent (or main care giver) has claimed Child Benefit but does not need the National Insurance credit themselves (i.e. they are in employment)
- The child’s parent agrees to your application by counter-signing the application form.
You cannot apply if:
- You have already qualified for National Insurance credit in that year – usually because you are in employment, or receive other National Insurance credits
- You are receiving Child Benefit for any child and already get credits automatically.
Applications must wait until 31 October after the end of the year that you want to apply for.
It is also worth noting that applications can be back dated to 2011, and can even be claimed if childcare was provided online during the pandemic.
The UK offers a range of government-supported childcare schemes, but these are ever changing and so it is recommended that the Government website is reviewed regularly to ensure that you are benefiting from the appropriate schemes. If we can provide advice in this area, then please do contact us.
Ellie Hammett FCCA
Office Manager
Ellie started with Evolution ABS in April 2010 and became a fully qualified as a Chartered Certified accountant in December 2015. Ellie manages a portfolio of agricultural clients and enjoys assisting clients in all aspects of accountancy and taxation.
Ellie grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Dorset before her family moved to Devon in 1998. She now lives with her husband and two boys on their family beef, sheep and arable farm in East Devon.
In her spare time (although with two young sons, this is rare!), Ellie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and enjoys the odd bit of retail therapy when time allows. She spends a lot of time outside with the boys, who currently share the same passion for farming as their Dad!
Ellie can be contacted in the office on Mondays – Thursdays.