Working Tax Credits (WTC) is money from the Government that contributes towards the cost of your formal childcare fees.

As the contribution can be up to 80% of the fee you pay it’s a really great way to save you money, give you freedom to work the hours you want to and to give your children a really great experience too.

It depends on your circumstances. Everyone’s different but no matter what your circumstances are you should definitely talk to us to find out if you qualify.

Remember, you could be missing out on your entitlement today. As a basic rule, you should be entitled to some support if:

• you and your partner (if you have one) work at least 16 hours a week.
• you are in a couple, one of you works at least 16 hours a week, and the other is in hospital, prison or gets certain disability benefits (for example Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or disability premium paid with Housing or Council Tax Benefit).
• you pay for approved or registered childcare for up to three children.

So what are you waiting for? Call 0191 520 5505 to speak to the Families Information Service about how you can access up to 80% off formal childcare costs.

Or text MAKE to 60777 and we’ll get back to you.

If you are concerned about losing benefits you’re just like so many of the people we speak to day-in, day-out.

So don’t worry; we can help you. We can point you in the direction of free and confidential support and advice that will take a closer look at you and your family’s circumstances.

In most cases benefits will not be affected by claiming Working Tax Credits towards childcare. Our objective is the same as yours – to try to help you and your family to be better off. So do call us.

Working out if you are eligible and then applying is pretty easy because we’re here to help. Forms and processes can be tricky to navigate but don’t worry as we’ll help you every step of the way. That’s a big part of our job. We can help you over the telephone or face-to-face at one of 17 Sunderland Children’s Centres that are located across the city.

So get the ball rolling and please call 0191 520 5505 and ask to talk to someone about how you can access up to 80% off formal childcare costs, today.

Or text MAKE to 60777 and we’ll get back to you.

Widely accepted evidence, as well as simply talking to and listening to parents and their children in formal childcare environment shows that formal childcare has a hugely positive effect on children.

When professional, qualified child minders and childcare staff look after small groups of children they become much more socially aware, alert and ‘ready to learn’ than they otherwise would be.

They meet other children and make new friends, they learn new things and have fun too.

So yes, formal childcare is an extremely positive experience for children. They’ll love it.

There are 17 children’s centres in Sunderland.

For a map of where they all are, plus contact details - click here.

Take a look.

More useful information about childrens centres...
Sunderland Children's Centres

More useful information about Tax Credits...
Children and tax credits
Help with childcare costs - do you qualify?

More useful information on childcare options for you and your family...
Sunderland Families Information Service
Direct Gov - Childcare
Choices in Childcare

Looking for work? These websites may help you...
Job Centre Plus
Jobs at Sunderland City Council
Jobs in Childcare