Funding for working parents
30 hours of free childcare for three and four-year-olds
This funding entitles working parents to an extra 15 hours of free childcare, on top of their free early education hours.
Find out more about 30 hours of free childcare
Tax-Free Childcare
If your child has a disability:
- you can get this funding up until they're 17 years old
- for every £8 you put into your childcare account, the government will put in an extra £4.
Find out more about Tax-Free Childcare
Childcare voucher scheme
Parents who work for employers who take part in the childcare voucher scheme can get childcare vouchers to pay for childcare, in exchange for a lower salary.
You may be eligible if your child is under 15 (or under 16 if your child has a disability) and you get a regular salary. You must also be the legal guardian of the child.
Find out more about the childcare voucher scheme
Tax credits
If you get Working Tax Credit, and you and your partner each work at least 16 hours a week, you can claim back up to 70% of your eligible childcare costs. If your child is disabled, you can claim for children up to 17 years old.
You can't claim Universal Credits, tax credits or Tax-Free Childcare at the same time. Find out more about Working Tax Credits.
You may be eligible for Child Tax Credit, even if you're not working. Find out more about Child Tax Credits.
Universal Credits
You can currently claim Universal Credit if you're either a single parents (living anywhere in the UK) or couple or family living in certain areas.
You must also:
- be 18 or over
- be under State Pension age
- not be in full-time education or training
- not have savings over £16,000.
You can't claim Universal Credits, tax credits or tax-free childcare at the same time.