Juggling work and childcare? You’re not alone—and luckily, the UK has a few different schemes to ease the load. Which one fits you depends on your setup, but here’s how families are getting help behind the scenes.
You’re working (employed or self-employed)…
You might qualify for Tax-Free Childcare—a simple top-up system. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government chips in £2. Over the year, that could add up to £2,000 per child. If your child’s disabled, the support stretches even further.
You’re on Universal Credit…
You could be getting up to 85% of your childcare costs covered. This one’s big for working families who qualify for UC—whether you’re solo parenting or managing on a tight income.
You’re still in education…
Childcare support doesn’t stop just because you’re studying. Depending on your course:
- In school or sixth-form? There’s a scheme called Care to Learn that pays weekly.
- At college? Talk to your tutor or student support—they might have funds available.
- In uni full-time? There’s a grant (not a loan) just for childcare.
Already signed up for childcare vouchers?
If you joined the scheme before it closed to new applicants, you can keep using it. It’s a tax-saving setup that lets you pay for childcare before tax is deducted—worth around £933 a year.
And what about tax credits?
Still on the old system? You might be getting help there too—up to 70% of your childcare costs (within limits), if your kids are under 16 and you’re working.