Dental nursing is 99 per cent female – and dentistry overall is now more than 50 per cent female - so childcare is a big consideration for working families in dentistry.

BADN, an association for dental nurses in the UK, asked the experts at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) what financial help is available for working families.

There are a number of schemes available, which could be worth thousands of pounds a year, including:

  • Tax Free Childcare – a government- funded top up scheme worth up to £2k a year (£4k if their child is disabled) for each child under the age of 11 (or 16 for a disabled child) to help pay for approved childcare. Full eligibility is on GOV.UK but in summary it’s for working parents earning up to £100k each, at least NMW for 16 hours a week and who do not receive tax credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.
  • Free Childcare Hours – either 15 or 30 hours, depending on eligibility.
  • Child Benefit – currently £25.60 for the eldest or only child and £16.95 for each additional child.

Tax Free Childcare can be used with:

Tax Credits and Universal Credits also offer alternative childcare support and, while they can’t be used withTax-Free Childcare, they could be worth thousands to the household budget.

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