Childcare grants

The Government can help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.

Tax-Free Childcare - children between 0 and 11 (or 16 if disabled)

• For families, including the self-employed, with children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled)
• For every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year 

Find out more about Tax-Free Childcare

15 hours free childcare - 2 year old children (also known as ME2)

• For families in England, receiving some forms of support with 2-year-old children
• 15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
• A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
• Some providers will allow you  to 'stretch' the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

Find out more about 15 hours free childcare (2 year old children)

15 hours free childcare - 3 and 4 year old children

• For all families in England with 3 and 4-year-old children
• 15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
• A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
• Some providers will allow you  to 'stretch' the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

Find out more about 15 hours free childcare (3 and 4 year old children)

30 hours free childcare - 3 and 4 year old children

• For all families with 3 and 4-year-old children
• 30 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
• A total of 1,140 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
• Some providers will allow you  to 'stretch' the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week

Find out more about 30 hours free childcare (3 and 4 year old children)

Tax credits for childcare - children between 0 and 15 (or 16 if disabled)

• For families with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled)
• 70% of childcare costs, up to a cap
• If you cannot make a new claim for Tax Credits, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit instead.

Find out more about tax free credits for childcare

Universal Credit for childcare - children under 17

• For families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17
• 85% of eligible childcare costs, up to a cap

Find out more about Universal Credit for childcare