Tax Free Childcare
What is Tax Free Childcare?
For every £8 you pay into your online account, the government will pay in £2. This means you can
get up to £2,000 per year for each child towards the cost of childcare (or up to £4,000 per year if
your child is disabled).
This money can then be used to pay for approved childcare, such as:
- Childminder
- Nursery
- Nannie
- After school or holiday clubs
The childcare provider must also be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them and benefit
from Tax-Free Childcare. Please check with your provider to see if they’ve signed up.
Who is eligible for Tax Free Childcare?
You can claim Tax-Free Childcare if:
- You have a child aged 0-11 years old (or until 16 if they are disabled)
- You, and any partner, must be over 16 and each expect to earn (on average) at least £183 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage).
- If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.
- You can't get Tax-Free Childcare if either you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 or more.
You can find more information on the eligibility criteria at Tax-Free Childcare – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How to Apply for Tax Free Childcare
There’s one application for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare. As part of your application, you will find out if you can get both.
To apply you’ll need your details (and your partner’s, if you have one), including your:
- National Insurance number
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you’re self-employed
If you’re eligible you’ll get a childcare account. You can use this to pay your childcare provider.
You must confirm your details are up to date every 3 months. Do this through your childcare account.
Already have an account? Sign in to your childcare account
Once you have your reference please let us know so we can identify the childcare payments.
Related Pages
Check your eligibility now for all funding types via the government’s Best Start in Life website
