LOW or middle-income families can benefit from the Working Families Tax Credit which includes the Government's much talked about Childcare Tax Credit.

The tax credit is based on net earnings of £92.90 a week or less. This is joint earnings where a couple are applying or single earnings for single people.

Anyone taking home less that £92.90 a week may be eligible for the credit and anyone earning more than that will be judged on a means-tested sliding scale. The same rules apply to the Childcare Tax Credit which can pay for 70 per cent of childcare costs, up to £135 maximum for one child and £200 maximum for two or more children. The benefits are based on couples, married or not, and single people, but all incomes, and savings, are taken into account.

This is a simplified resume of the tax credit and anyone who feels they may be eligible can ring a special helpline on 0845 6095000, for further details and to find out if they qualify.

Click HERE for other reports on the issue of working mothers and childcare.

Have you had this problem or any other childcare problem? Write with your experiences of childcare to: The Editor, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton. BL1 1DE or email bennewsdesk@boltoneveningnews.co.uk