Get help with childcare costs
With the Government's drive to reduce the cost of childcare for parents, learn more about what the latest plans to improve the cost, choice and availability of childcare mean.
Tax-free Childcare
You can get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the cost of childcare.
30-hours free childcare
Eligible working families in England with 3 and 4 year old children can receive 30 hours of free childcare a week.
15-hours free childcare
Families in England who have 2 year old children and are on certain benefits can get 15 hours of free childcare a week.
All families with children aged 3 and 4 can also access 15 hours of free childcare a week.
Child Benefit
You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:
- under 16
- under 20 if they stay in approved education or training
- Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.
It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
Claim back childcare costs
You may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs if you’re eligible for Universal Credit, with up to £646 back each month for one child or £1,108 for 2 or more children.
Claim Healthy Start vouchers
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
Get help with maternity costs
You could claim a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child.