Government help with childcare costs

And from next year, support is being expanded to make it easier for more parents with childcare responsibilities to move into or take on more paid work.

Check the range of current schemes below to make sure that you’re not missing out on money to help pay for your childcare.

Free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds

Parents across the UK can currently get up to 30 hours free per week, and from next year the Government is expanding support available in the following phases:

From April 2024, working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support.

From September 2024, 15 hours childcare support will be extended to working parents of children from the age of nine months to 3-year-olds.

From September 2025, working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.

Tax-free childcare for children up to age 11

If you’re in work and not claiming benefits you could get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children aged up to 11 (or up to age 16 for disabled children – and for them you can claim up to £4,000 a year). You can get tax-free childcare at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both.

If you’re on Universal Credit and in work

You can reclaim some of your childcare costs up to a maximum of £951 for one child and £1,630 for two or more children – for children up to the age of 16. You can claim just during school holidays, or throughout the year.

If you’re on Tax Credits

You can claim Child Tax Credit until the next 31 August after your child turns 16.

If you’re still able to use Childcare Vouchers

You can use them until your children turns 15 (or 16 if they're disabled). 

With so many different support schemes available and varying eligibility criteria it’s a good idea to use the government’s free online childcare calculator to see which scheme is best for your situation or chat to our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team about anything to do with benefits, money or debt.

And if the offer of financial assistance with your childcare costs means that you would like to get a new or a better job remember that our friendly employment support team are here to help. Pop in to the free weekly drop-in sessions held at Bitterne Library (Monday 10am till 12noon) and Central Library (Thursday 3-5pm) or get in touch to receive personalised support from CV writing or interview techniques.