Can I get help with my child care costs?

Universal Credit has a facility to provide financial support towards the cost of childcare (85 per cent of the total cost which is capped depending on the number of children accessing childcare).

 

However, UC isn’t the only way of getting help with childcare costs. Through Tax-Free Childcare, working families can receive up to £2,000 a year per child, or £4,000 if their child is disabled, to put towards the cost of childcare. This is available for children aged up to 11, or 17 if the child has a disability.

 

The money can help towards the cost of holiday clubs, childminders, nurseries, and other approved childcare schemes.

 

The government pays 20 per cent of the childcare costs by topping up the money paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account. This means for every £8 paid into the online account, families will automatically receive an additional £2 in government top-up.

 

More information about Tax-Free Childcare can be found on the Childcare Choices website which includes information about a range of support for families depending on their circumstances and where they live.