Claiming carers allowance whilst on maternity leave

[Louise_19011]

Hi,
I previously claimed carers allowance whilst I was on unpaid maternity leave with my son. I am now due baby number 2 in a few weeks and will be paid SMP by my employer. My son will remain in childcare whilst I am on maternity leave am I correct in thinking that I can deduct the childcare costs from my SMP salary and therefore claim carers allowance as it will take me below the limit.

Thanks

[Chris From The Gulag]

Hi Louise ... welcome to the canteen.

Our very own CUK for this one :

If, because of your work, you have to pay for someone to look after the person you care for, or a child under 16 who you or your partner get Child Benefit for, you can deduct those payments from your earnings up to the value of half your earnings (after the above deductions if they apply).

However, this will not apply if the person you are paying is a close relative of either yourself or the person you are looking after (a close relative is a spouse, partner or civil partner, parent, son, daughter, brother or sister).

My son will remain in childcare whilst I am on maternity leave

I assume no problem with the 35 hours required to claim Carers Allowance.