UK Government Childcare Calculator - Tax-Free Childcare & Free Hours

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Check Your Eligibility

Use the official government checker to see if you qualify for Tax-Free Childcare and other childcare support schemes.

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Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Follow the official government guide from eligibility check to receiving your first government contribution.

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What you need to know

Government Childcare Tax-Free Scheme

The Government Childcare Tax-Free Scheme is designed to help working parents with the cost of childcare. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 if your child is disabled.

Who Can Apply?: Working parents (including self-employed) with children under 11 (or under 17 if disabled). Each parent must earn at least £2,379 over 3 months but less than £100,000 annually. Single parents must meet the same criteria.
How Much You Save: For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 - that's up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for disabled children). You could save thousands on childcare costs!
What's Covered: Use funds for registered nurseries, childminders, after-school clubs, holiday schemes, and more. Most Ofsted-registered providers accept Tax-Free Childcare payments.
Quick & Easy Application: Takes just 20 minutes to apply online. You'll need your National Insurance number, employment details, and partner's information (if applicable).
Quarterly Top-ups: The government adds 20% to whatever you pay in, up to £500 per child every 3 months (£1,000 for disabled children). Payments are instant once approved.
Combine with Other Support: Use alongside 30 hours free childcare for maximum savings. Cannot be used with Universal Credit childcare support.

Popular Resources

How to Apply in 2025

Follow our step-by-step guide to applying for Tax-Free Childcare in 2025. Learn about eligibility, required documents, and the application process.

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Compare Childcare Options

Understand the differences between Childcare Vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare to determine which scheme offers better savings for your family.

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30 Hours Free Childcare

Learn about the 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme, eligibility requirements, and how to combine it with other support for maximum savings.

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Disclaimer

The calculator provided on this website is for informational and guidance purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the calculations, we cannot guarantee that the results will be free from errors or omissions. The calculations and results generated by this tool are based on the information you provide and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice.