Make sure you are getting all the financial support you are entitled to this festive season

With the Christmas holidays almost upon us, for many working parents this is a time of year that requires some careful planning to ensure all the bills are still paid when they should be. This can particularly be a strain for parents who use a childcare provider who may need to be paid earlier than usual in the month.

Many parents work over the Christmas and New Year period, but many childcare providers close for more than just the bank holidays, this can put additional pressure on families who often have to use friends and family to look after children.

Check your payment dates  

If you are due to receive your payment of Universal Credit, Tax Credits or any other benefits on Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 or Friday 27 December 2024, or Wednesday 1 January 2025, you will still be paid by that date. While all benefits operate on different payment systems, you will not receive your payment later than the day it would normally be due.

If you are making payments to a childcare provider through Tax-Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers ensure that you pay into the account on time to ensure the payment can be processed to reach the childcare provider when they are expecting it.

For example Employers For Childcare – Childcare Voucher payments need to be processed by 3pm on Thursday 19 December to ensure that the childcare provider receives the payment into their bank account before Christmas.

Find out what financial support is available

There is help available with the cost of registered childcare, which can include some holiday schemes (provided they are registered childcare) as well as year-round providers such as registered childminders, out of school clubs and day nurseries. For example, parents may be able to use Universal Credit, Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers or Tax Credits to help pay for childcare during school holidays. Now is a good time to make sure your family is receiving all the financial support you are entitled to.

Finding suitable childcare

The Family Support NI website www.familysupportni.gov.uk is a useful resource for families looking for registered childcare and includes a search function for all registered childcare providers across Northern Ireland, including holiday schemes.

Further information

To find out more about what financial support you are entitled to, whether that is childcare over school holidays or throughout the year, contact our Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.