ASSISTANCE WITH CHILD CARE EXPENSES
Government assistance is available for parents struggling with childcare costs, catering to families with toddlers or teenagers. The support for childcare is set to expand, and applications for April are now open.
Stay informed about the upcoming changes to 15 and 30 hours of childcare support in England by signing up for more details. Learn about the expansion starting in April 2024 and find guidance on when and how to register for assistance with childcare expenses.
CHILD CARE SUPPORT: 15 & 30 HOURS
Designed for eligible working families in England, this program is currently accessible for children aged 3-4 years. Applications are now open for 2-year-olds for the April 2024 enrollment. It offers up to 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks per year for 2-year-olds and up to 30 hours for 3-4 year-olds.
The flexibility of this support allows usage with one or more childcare providers. Additionally, some providers permit ‘stretching’ the hours across 52 weeks, enabling fewer hours per week if preferred.
Coming soon
- From Sept 2024 – Up to 15 hours for eligible working families in England with a child between 9 and 23 months old.
- From Sept 2025 – Up to 30 hours for eligible working families in England with a child from 9 months old up to school age.
15 HOURS OF CHILD CARE
Accessible to ALL families in England, this initiative is tailored for children aged 3-4 years. It provides 15 hours of childcare or early education over 38 weeks, totaling up to 570 hours annually, offering the flexibility to engage with one or more providers. Additionally, select providers may permit the option to ‘stretch’ these hours across 52 weeks, allowing for fewer hours per week as needed.
Available for families in England receiving specific government support, this program is designed for children aged 2 years. It encompasses 15 hours of childcare or early education over 38 weeks, totaling up to 570 hours annually, with the flexibility to engage with one or more providers. Certain providers may also permit the option to ‘stretch’ these hours over 52 weeks, accommodating fewer hours per week as needed.
TAX-FREE CHILDCARE – ENJOY UP TO £2000 PER CHILD
Accessible to working families, including the self-employed, across the UK, this program caters to those earning under £100k and maintaining an average of £167 per week (equivalent to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each over three months.
Eligibility is extended to families not receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit, or childcare vouchers, with children aged 0-11 (or 0-16 if disabled). Benefit from a government contribution of an extra £2 for every £8 deposited into an online account, with a maximum allowance of £2,000 per child annually.
TAX CREDITS SUPPORT
Available to working families in the UK with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled), this program covers 70% of childcare costs, with a specified cap. If you are ineligible to initiate a new claim for Tax Credits, you may explore the option of applying for Universal Credit instead.
UNIVERSAL CREDIT SUPPORT
Available for working families claiming Universal Credit in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, this program is designed for those with children under 17*. It provides coverage for up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, making it a valuable resource for families not receiving Tax-Free Childcare.