Before you start your claim for Tax-Free Childcare, make sure you have everything to hand. These are the main requirements and the step-by-step guide to claiming through the official channel.
Check eligibility on the official page →
Read the requirements and steps below first, so you can make your claim on the official page in one go.
Claiming is always free. Never pay anyone to make a claim for you.
Documents ready = faster claim
20% government top-upApply onlineReconfirm every 3 months
📋 Requirements
- Working: You (and your partner) must be working and expect to earn at least the minimum income over the next 3 months.
- Income limit: Neither of you can have adjusted net income over £100,000.
- Child's age: The child must be 11 or under, or 16 or under if disabled.
- Not on Universal Credit: You cannot claim it at the same time as Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.
🚀 How to claim, step by step
- Check eligibility on GOV.UK
- Apply online through your childcare service account
- Pay money into your childcare account
- Pay your approved provider and reconfirm your details every 3 months
Eligibility is decided by HMRC and must be reconfirmed every 3 months.
Start your claim on the official page →
General information only. We are not part of the government. Claiming is free on the official page — you never need to pay anyone to claim.