A government top-up for working parents' childcare costs: for every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Tax-Free Childcare offers
- 20% top-up: The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in.
- Approved providers: Use it for registered nurseries, childminders, after-school clubs and holiday clubs.
- Withdraw if needed: You can take money back out of the account.
- Use with free hours: Can be combined with free childcare hours.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | Working parents of children aged 0 to 11 (or up to 16 if disabled) earning at least the minimum income and under £100,000 adjusted net income |
| How much | Up to £500 every 3 months per child (£2,000 a year), or £1,000 every 3 months (£4,000 a year) for a disabled child |
| How it's paid | Into an online childcare account you use to pay approved providers |
| How to claim | Apply online, reconfirming every 3 months |
| Where | UK-wide |
Key points
20% top-up: The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in.
Approved providers: Use it for registered nurseries, childminders, after-school clubs and holiday clubs.
Withdraw if needed: You can take money back out of the account.
About HM Revenue & Customs
Tax-Free Childcare is run by HM Revenue & Customs. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by HM Revenue & Customs.