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Childcare Funding
To help parents cover the costs of childcare, the Government offers a range of childcare funding options.
You could be entitled to support with your childcare costs
Earlier this year, the government announced revolutionary changes to the childcare funding system that will benefit many families across the country. The first wave of these changes will come into effect in April 2024 and will see an increase in the amount of funding available for children aged 2, to assist families to help cover the cost of childcare You can read more on these changes in our blog here.
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We've put together a brief list below on what support is currently available, and we're happy to chat through your options so just give us a call!
Tax-Free Childcare (Age 0-11):
Available for working families, including the self-employed, in the UK, with children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled). For every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year - that's up to £500 every three months.
15 Hours Free Childcare (Aged 2):
Families in England, receiving some forms of support with 2-year-old children can claim up to 15 hours of free childcare.
From April 2024 working families can also benefit from 15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds.
15 Hours Free Childcare (Aged 3 & 4):
All families in England with 3 and 4-year-old children can claim 15 hours of free childcare.
30 Hours Free Childcare (Aged 3 & 4):
Eligible working families in England with 3 and 4-year-old children can claim an extra 15 hours a week of free childcare, 30 hours in total.
Tax credits for childcare (Age 0-15 or up to 16 if disabled):
For working families, in the UK with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled).​ If you are entitled to Working Tax Credit, and you and any partner are working at least 16 hours a week each, you can claim back up to 70% of your eligible childcare costs for children under 16 (or under 17 for disabled children). Depending on your income, you could get up to £122.50 a week for one child or £210 for two or more.
Universal Credit for childcare (Age 0-15):
For working families claiming Universal Credit, in England, Scotland and Wales, with children under 16 can claim 85% of eligible childcare costs, up to a cap. If you, and any partner, are working, or you’re due to start work, and you’re claiming Universal Credit, you can claim back up to 85% of your eligible childcare costs for children under 16. You could get up to £646 a month for one child, or £1,108 for two or more.
Childcare vouchers (Age 0-15):
For working families, in the UK with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled) can claim up to £933 a year in tax and National Insurance savings.
To find out about the childcare options available to you...
Visit the 'Childcare Choices' website here
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