Help with childcare costs and free childcare options

Choosing childcare as a new parent can feel overwhelming so if you’re not sure which option is right for you and your family, our guide Childcare options can help. 

Once you’ve decided on your childcare arrangement, it’s worth checking whether you're entitled to some free childcare. Use the childcare calculatorOpens in a new window on GOV.UK to find out how much help you could get.  

If you’re studying at college or university and having a baby, you might also qualify for additional student finance. Find out more in our guide Grants and benefits if you're studying and have a baby. 

Free childcare is provided as a set number of government-funded hours that you can put towards different types of registered childcare, including: 

• nurseries and nursery classes 
• playgroups and pre-schools 
• childminders  
• holiday schemes, breakfast and after school clubs. 

How much you can get depends on your circumstances and where you live. 

You may also be able to receive support in the form of Tax-Free Childcare, unless you claim Universal Credit. See our section on Tax-Free Childcare: eligibility, payments and how to apply, for more information. 

The amount of free childcare your child can get depends on their age and your circumstances. There are four main options: 

1. For working parents — up to 30 hours of free childcare a week. 
2. If one partner cannot work — up to 30 hours of free childcare a week. 
3. All three and four-year-olds — 15 hours of free childcare a week. 
4. Two-year-olds — 15 hours of free childcare a week.   

If you have a child aged between nine months and four years old, and you’re working, you may qualify for free childcare. You can get 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time (38 weeks a year). 

If you'd rather spread those hours out over more weeks, you may be able to get free childcare for longer than 38 weeks by taking fewer hours each week. 

Ask your childcare provider if they offer this option. 

You can usually get this if you (and your partner, if you have one) are: 

• working and earning at least the National Minimum Wage for an average of 16 hours per week for an average of 16 hours per week 
• starting a new job 
• on sick leave or annual leave 
• on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave. 

You will not be eligible if either you or your partner has an adjusted net income over £100,000. Adjusted net income is your total taxable income minus certain tax reliefs, such as pension contributions. If this applies, your three or four-year-old will still be entitled to the 15 hours in option 3. 

Find out how to work out your adjusted net incomeOpens in a new window on GOV.UK. 

This option may apply if you are in a couple and one of you is working (and meets the rules above) but the other cannot. You might qualify if the non-working partner is on carer's leaveOpens in a new window, or is eligible for any of the following: 

• Incapacity Benefit 
• Severe Disablement Allowance 
• Carer's Allowance 
• the limited capability for work element of Universal Credit 
• the carer’s element of Universal Credit 
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance. 

If you get any equivalent European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss benefits, you may still be eligible. 

Every child aged three or four in England is entitled to 15 hours of free childcare a week. You do not need to meet any income or work requirements. You just need to live in England. 

Your two-year-old may qualify if any of the following apply: 

• you have a low income 
• your child has a disability 
• your child needs extra support for other personal reasons. 

You can apply online by setting up a childcare accountOpens in a new window and find Ofsted registered providers on GOV.UK. 

Some councils have a list of childcare providers that offer the government-funded hours on their websites, or you can ask your childcare provider directly.   

The amount of free childcare your child can get depends on their age and your circumstances. There are three main options, some of which can be combined:   

1. Two and three-year-olds — free part-time childcare from Flying Start.   
2. All three and four–year-olds —10 hours free childcare.   
3. Eligible three and four–year-olds — additional 20 hours of free childcare.   

If you live in an area that offers a Flying Start service, some two and three-year-olds can get free childcare for 2.5 hours a day, five days a week for 39 weeks a year (around 9 months). Find your local Flying Start serviceOpens in a new window on GOV.WALES. 

Every child aged three or four in Wales is entitled to 10 hours of free nursery education a week. You do not need to meet any income or work requirements. You just need to live in Wales. 

You may be able to claim an additional 20 hours of funded childcare depending on your circumstances. Combined with the options above, this would bring the total to 30 hours a week for up to 48 weeks of the year (around 11 months) under the Childcare Offer for WalesOpens in a new window

To be eligible for the additional 20 hours, you must: 

• be working — if you have a partner, they must be working too 
• live permanently in Wales 
• you and your partner (if applicable) must each be working and earning at least the National Minimum Wage for an average of 16 hours per week hours per week 
• each earn less than £100,000 a year. 

You cannot carry over unused hours to another week.  

Many childcare providers spread the hours across the year, so you may receive fewer hours per week than the maximum, but childcare will be available for more of the year.  

For example, you may receive an average of 22 hours a week for nine months, instead of 30 hours a week for seven months. 

Ask your childcare provider how they manage the hours, so you know what to expect. 

You can apply for free childcareOpens in a new window through your local Family Information Service on GOV.WALES.

Some councils have a list of approved childcare providers, You can check if a provider is approvedOpens in a new window on Care Inspectorate Wales. 

In Scotland, the amount of free childcare your child can get depends on their age. There are two main options:  

1. All three to five-year-olds — up to 30 hours free childcare per week. 
2. Some two-year-olds — free childcare if you meet certain eligibility criteria. 

Every child in Scotland aged between three and five is entitled to free childcare and can get: 

• around 30 hours a week during term time, or  
• around 22 hours a week if spread across the year. 

Your two-year-old may be eligible for free childcare if you receive one of the following benefits: 

• Universal Credit (your monthly household take-home pay must be £885 or less after tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions) 
• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
• Incapacity Benefit 
• Severe Disablement Allowance 
• State Pension Credit 
• Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 
• Your child may also qualify if you or your child has experience of being looked after by a local council, or by a kinship carer such as a family member or close friend. 

You can apply and find out more about free childcare and education in ScotlandOpens in a new window on Parent Club. 

Government-funded childcare in Northern Ireland works differently from the rest of the UK. The 15 and 30 hours free childcare schemes available in England, Wales, and Scotland are not available here. In Northern Ireland, there are three main options: 

1. All three and four-year-olds — 12.5 hours free pre-school education per week in term time. 
2. Some two-year-olds — support may be available through Sure Start in disadvantaged areas. 
3. Children aged four to eleven — receive the 15% off their childcare bills, up to the maximum amount. 

Every child in Northern Ireland aged three or four is entitled to 12.5 hours of free pre-school education per week during term time (38 weeks a year). 

This is delivered through the Pre-School Education Programme, which supports children's social, physical, and mental development in preparation for primary school. 

Places are available to every child, but you must apply. To apply, visit the Education AuthorityOpens in a new window

Two-year-olds are not eligible for the Pre-School Education Programme, but if you live in a disadvantaged area, the Sure Start programme may be able to help.  

Sure Start supports families with children under four, providing access to services including play sessions and early learning opportunities. Find your local Sure Start programmeOpens in a new window on Family Support NI. 

If you have a child aged four to eleven years in Northern Ireland and pay for childcare, you could now get 15% off your bills, up to a capped amount. 

The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy SchemeOpens in a new window has been extended to cover school-age children. 

You can claim up to £203 a month for each child (£2,436 a year). This covers 15% of childcare costs up to £1,353 a month approximately. If you pay less than this, you’ll get 15% of what you actually spend. If you pay more, you'll still get the subsidy, but it's capped at £203 a month per child. 

To qualify, you need to: 

• be registered for Tax-Free Childcare 
• use a childcare provider that's signed up as a Tax-Free Childcare provider with HMRC.

Find out more about free preschool education in Northern IrelandOpens in a new window on nidirect.  

If you need help with claiming free childcare in Northern Ireland or have questions, you can call 028 9267 8200Opens in a new window or visit Employers For ChildcareOpens in a new window

To find local childcare providersOpens in a new window on familysupport NI. 

If your child has a disability or special educational needs (SEN), you may be able to get extra help with the cost of childcare.   

All Ofsted-registered childcare providers in England, like nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders, must make reasonable adjustments to support children with SEN. 

Some settings may also be able to offer additional funding or support to help with your child’s needs.  

It’s worth speaking to your childcare provider to find out what support they offer and if there’s any extra help with costs. 

• In England, Coram has a helpful and detailed guide for parents that explains your rights and optionsOpens in a new window
• If you live in Wales, find your local Family Information ServiceOpens in a new window can give you more details. 
• In Scotland, find support and guidance for disabled childenOpens in a new window on gov.scot. 
• In Northern Ireland, find out about childcare for children with disabilitiesOpens in a new window on nidirect. 

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit to support people on low incomes or those who are out of work.  

It brings together several older benefits into a single monthly payment, providing financial help with everyday living costs, including childcare.  

If you are a working family on Universal Credit, you can claim back up to 85% of your monthly childcare costs. To claim, you must pay your childcare provider upfront and then report the costs through your Universal Credit account. To qualify, you or your partner will usually need to be in one of the following situations: 

• currently working (there is no minimum number of hours required) 
• have a job offer that is due to start before the end of your next Universal Credit monthly assessment period 
• unable to work due to ill-health or caring responsibilities. 

Non-working families on Universal Credit are not eligible for the childcare cost element but may still receive support with other living costs through their standard Universal Credit payment. Find out more in our guide Universal Credit explained. 

The maximum amount you can claim back for childcare costs through Universal Credit is: 

• £1,071.09 a month if you have one child in childcare 
• £1,836.16 a month if you have two or more children in childcare.

You can only claim if your childcare is provided by a government registered or approved childcare providerOpens in a new window

Once you've paid your childcare costs, add them to your Universal Credit accountOpens in a new window on GOV.UK as soon as possible.  You need to do this before the end of the following assessment period.as soon as possible. You need to do this before the end of the following assessment period. 

You’ll need to upload proof of payment, such as an invoice, receipt or bank statement. Make sure it clearly shows: 

• your childcare provider's name and registration number 
• the dates of childcare  
• how much you paid and when. 

If you pay each school term, Universal Credit will usually still cover your cost, but it will pay you back monthly, as your childcare happens. 

If you're unsure how your payments will work with your assessment periods, ask a Universal Credit contact or your work coach at your local jobcentre for help. 

Find more guidance on Universal Credit childcare costsOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

If you cannot pay up front, you may be able to get help through the Flexible Support FundOpens in a new window on GOV.UK. 

You may also get help if you: 

• have a job offer and need to pay for childcare before you start 
• are increasing your working hours, for example going from part-time to full-time. 

Speak to your work coach at your local jobcentre to find out what help is available. 

If you qualify for the childcare element of Universal Credit and other income-based benefits, you may be able to apply for a grant of up to £1,500 from the Adviser Discretion Fund. You can do this through a work coach at your local jobcentre. 

The grant is paid directly to a registered childcare provider in advance. Any money awarded for childcare costs counts towards the £1,500 yearly limit. 

Find out more about the Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF)Opens in a new window on nidirect. 

Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme to help working parents with the cost of childcare in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

You set up an online account for your childOpens in a new window on GOV.UK and add money to it to pay your childcare provider. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2. Other people, such as grandparents or family friends, can also add money to the account. 

Tax-Free Childcare can be used to pay for: 

• a registered childminder, nanny, playscheme, nursery or club 
• a childminder or nanny with a registered childminder agency or childcare agency 
• a registered school 
• a home care worker working for a registered home care agency. 

Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them. Check with your provider to see if they're signed up. 

You can use Tax-Free Childcare alongside free (government-funded) childcare hours, if you’re eligible for both.  

But you can’t use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as: 

• Universal Credit 
• childcare vouchers. 

If you’re already getting help with childcare costs through Universal Credit, opening a Tax-Free Childcare account will stop all your benefits payments, not just the childcare part.  

If you’re unsure whether using Tax-Free Childcare or your benefits would be better for you, speak to an independent benefits adviserOpens in a new window on Advice local. 

Tax-Free Childcare is available for children up to the age of 11. They remain eligible until the September after their 11th birthday. 

If your child has a disability, they’re eligible until the September after they turn 16. Adopted children are eligible, but foster children are not. 

To qualify, usually one or both parents need to: 

• be employed or self-employed 
• working and earning at least the National Minimum Wage for an average of 16 hours per week 
• have an adjusted net income of no more than £100,000 per year, per parent. Learn more about adjusted net incomeOpens in a new window on GOV.UK. 

If you or your partner is on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, you may still qualify. You can also apply if you will be starting or returning to work within the next 31 days. 

If one parent is working and the other is unable to work, you may still qualify for Tax-Free Childcare if the non-working parent receives any of the following: 

• Carer's Allowance 
• New-style Employment and Support Allowance 
• National Insurance credits for incapacity or limited capability for work. 

You can get up to £2,000 a year for each child to help with childcare costs. 

If your child has a disability, you can get up to £4,000 a year. 

You can apply online by setting up a childcare accountOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.  

Every three months, you’ll need to check and confirm you still qualify using your online childcare account. You’ll receive a reminder to do this.   

Even if your circumstances haven’t changed, simply confirm this. If your situation has changed, the government will recheck if you’re still eligible.  

Wraparound childcare is before and after school care for primary school children, usually from 8am to 6pm during term time. It can take place at school or at nearby locations like a: 

• community centre 
• nursery, or  
• childminder. 

This is different from out-of-school activities, or school clubs, which are less regular. 

All parents in England with primary school-aged children can access wraparound childcare. 

Contact your child’s school or your local your local Family Information ServiceOpens in a new window on GOV.UK to see what’s available in your area.  

If you qualify, you can use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit to help cover the costs. You might also get help with upfront costs.  

Check what support you can get using the childcare eligibility checkerOpens in a new window on GOV.UK. 

Prices vary depending on the provider. You pay the provider directly. 

The government is planning to fund free breakfast clubs in every primary school.  

The first 1,250 schools have been confirmed, and more details will be shared soon.  

For more information, see The Education HubOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.  

Free school meals in England 

Check if your child can get free school meals in England and find out how to apply in our guide Free school meals – eligibility and how to apply. 

Some companies have their own nurseries, either at your workplace or at another location. 

Your employer decides how much you’ll need to pay to use the workplace nursery.

Whether it’s free or at a discounted rate, it’s considered as a tax-free benefit of your job. 

Check with your employer to see if they offer a workplace nursery. 

If you’re a grandparent or another relative looking after children while their parents are at work, you can get National Insurance credits. These credits can help you build up enough qualifying years for your State Pension.

You need 35 qualifying years to receive the full State Pension.

You can check your National Insurance recordOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.  

These National Insurance credits are called Specified Adult Childcare credits, and you’ll need to apply for them. 

To learn more about Specified Adult Childcare credits and how to applyOpens in a new window, see GOV.UK.