Childcare

Childcare can be extremely expensive. The government provides a number of support schemes to help families in England pay for the cost of childcare. There are several different schemes you might be entitled to.

Free childcare from the government

The government’s Childcare Choices website has a range of information about different offers and entitlements, including:

• 15 and 30 hours childcare for eligible working families in England - currently available for children aged 2-4 years. Accepting applications for 9-23 months old for September 2024 from 12 May.
• Tax free childcare - get up to £2,000 per child and up to £4,000 where the child is disabled.
• 15 hours childcare for all families in England - for children aged 3-4 years.
• 15 hours childcare for families in England, receiving some additional forms of government support - for children aged 2 years.
• Universal Credit Childcare - for working families claiming Universal Credit.
• Tax credits for childcare - for families with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled).
• Study support - for families where one or both of the parents are studying.

Check what help you could get with childcare costs using the Government’s Childcare Calculator.

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get vouchers from the government to buy healthy food and milk. Visit the NHS website for more information about Healthy Start vouchers.

Find out about getting help with childcare if your immigration status limits what support you are able to claim.