Other government support with childcare costs

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare is a savings account scheme that offers working families government support towards qualifying (approved) childcare costs.

Parents can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each child to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).

The money can be used to pay for approved childcare, for example:

• childminders, nurseries and nannies
• wraparound, out of school clubs and play schemes

See also: Service children – Wraparound child care (WAC).

Eligibility and application

Tax-Free Childcare (gov.uk)

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work. Whether you can claim Universal Credit depends on where you live and your circumstances.

You can get help with your childcare costs – up to 85% paid back to you (subject to the maximum amount for each assessment period) – Universal Credit childcare costs (gov.uk).

Use a benefits calculator to see how much you might get.

Eligibility and application

Eligibility for Universal Credit (gov.uk)

Child Benefit

You can receive Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training).

Eligibility and application

Child Benefit (gov.uk)

Further information:

• Child Benefit when your child turns 16
• High Income Benefit Charge

National Insurance credits for adults who care for a child under 12

National Insurance credits may help to fill in any gaps in your National Insurance record. This can mean that you will still get the full State Pension and other benefits.

Eligibility and application

National Insurance credits (gov.uk)