Tax-Free Childcare Calculator

Tax-Free Childcare Overview

You can get up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).

If you get Tax-Free Childcare, the government will pay £2 for every £8 you pay your childcare provider. This is paid via an online childcare account that you set up for your child.

You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 15 or 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both.

What You Can Use Tax-Free Childcare For

You can use it to pay for approved childcare, such as:

Childminders, nurseries, and nannies
After-school clubs and play schemes

Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them and benefit from Tax-Free Childcare. Check with your provider to see if they’re signed up.

Support for Disabled Children

You can use the extra Tax-Free Childcare money you get to help pay for additional hours of childcare or specialist equipment such as mobility aids. Discuss these options with your childcare provider.

Eligibility Criteria

Your eligibility depends on:

Whether you’re working (employed, self-employed, or a director)
Your income (and your partner’s income, if applicable)
Your child’s age and circumstances
Your immigration status

How to Apply