Minimum earnings for tax-free childcare

[Lumiere]

Is it National Living Wage (25 and over) £8.21 * ~200 hrs = ~ £1,642 pcm

OR

£1,707.68 / 3 = £570 pcm

For example, over the next 3 months you expect to earn at least £1,707.68 - the National Living Wage for people over 25.
Tax-Free Childcare - GOV.UK

I assume the latter, but accountant is on annual leave, wanted to double check.

Also with TFC can you only pay monthly or a lump sum for annual childcare costs is possible (e.g. pay in £4000, get £1000, transfer £5000 to childcare provider) ?

Thanks

[Craig@Clarity]

Is it National Living Wage (25 and over) £8.21 * ~200 hrs = ~ £1,642 pcm

OR

£1,707.68 / 3 = £570 pcm

For example, over the next 3 months you expect to earn at least £1,707.68 - the National Living Wage for people over 25.
Tax-Free Childcare - GOV.UK

I assume the latter, but accountant is on annual leave, wanted to double check.

Also with TFC can you only pay monthly or a lump sum for annual childcare costs is possible (e.g. pay in £4000, get £1000, transfer £5000 to childcare provider) ?

Thanks

It's £1,707.68 (£8.21 per hour at 16 hours per week for 13 weeks). You'll get up to £500 per quarter (up to £4k per year if the child is disabled) and the government will put in £2 for every £8 you put in. I'm not entirely sure if you can do a lump sum annually but hopefully someone will clarify from experience.