There are a number of ways that the goverment can help you and your family with chidcare costs. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support. Information about some of the schemes are below:
TAX FREE CHILDCARE
for working families in the UK, including self-employed
with children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled)
for every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extre £2, up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 if your child has a disability.
You can use Tax Free Childcare at the same time as 15 hours funded childcare and 30 hours funded childcare.
You can't use it with Universal Credit, Tax Credits or Childcare Vouchers (Childcare voucher schemes are closed to new entrants)
TAX CREDITS
for working families in the UK
with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled)
claim back up to 70% of childcare costs, up to a cap
You can't claim Tax Credits at the same time as Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare
UNIVERSAL CREDIT
for working families claiming Universal Credit
with children under 16
claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, up to a maximum of £1014.63 per month for one child, and £1,739.37 per month for two or more children
The childcare element of Universal Credit can but used alongside the 15 or 30 hours childcare offers.
You can't claim Universal Credit at the same time as Tax Credits and Tax-Free Childcare
15 HOURS CHILDCARE - 2 YEAR OLDS FOR FAMILIES IN RECEIPT OF ADDITIONAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
for families in England receiving some forms of support (eligibility criteria applies)
with 2 year old children - can start the term after your child's 2nd birthday
15 hours of funded childcare or early education for 38 weeks
a total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
15 HOURS CHILDCARE - 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS
for all families in England
with 3 and 4 year old children
15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks
a total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
WORKING PARENTS ENTITLEMENT
for working families in England (eligibility criteria applies)
15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks for 2 year olds
30 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks for 3 and 4 year old children - NOT for children in Reception
a total of 1,140 hours per year for eligible 3 and 4 year olds, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
Note: for the 15 and 30 hour childcare schemes, some providers will allow you to 'stretch' the hours over more weeks, using fewer hours per week. Check with the provider of your choice to see what they are able to offer.