Reminder to register for Tax-Free Childcare

More than 401,300 families used the scheme in September 2022 and benefited from the government paying towards childcare costs.

Tax-Free Childcare can help working families pay for any approved childcare for children aged 11 or under or 16 if the child has a disability whether the child goes to nursery, a childminder, attends breakfast or after-school club, has holiday care, or goes to an out-of-school activity.

For every £8 paid into an online account, families will automatically receive an additional £2 from the government. Parents can receive up to £500 every three months (£2,000 a year) or £1,000 (£4,000 a year) if their child is disabled.

Money can be deposited at any time and can be used straight away or whenever it is needed. Unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Go to GOV.UK to register and get started.

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:

• Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
• Earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average
• Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
• Do not receive tax credits, Universal Credit, or childcare vouchers

A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on GOV.UK.

Families can learn more about the childcare offers available to them and what support they’re entitled to by visiting Childcare Choices.

The government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost-of-living support including help with childcare costs families could be eligible for.