Funded early education for 2 year olds
You can get this funding if:
- your child gets Disability Living Allowance
- has an education, health and care plan
- you are in receipt of various benefits such as Tax Credits and Income Support
See the full details for 2 year old funding.
Funded early education for 3 and 4 year olds
All 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for 15 hours of funded early education funding. Find out more about 3 and 4 year old funding.
Funding for working parents
30 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
This funding is only for working parents. It entitles parents to an extra 15 hours of funded childcare, on top of their funded early education hours. See full details on 30 hours funded childcare.
Tax-Free Childcare
This funding is for working parents of children up to 12 years old (up to 17 years old if they have a disability). For every £8 you put into your childcare account the government will put in an extra £2 (£4 for disabled children). The most the government will pay is £2,000 per child per year, and £4,000 for disabled children.
See full details on Tax-Free Childcare.
Childcare voucher scheme
This scheme allows parents to claim childcare vouchers to pay for childcare in exchange for a lower salary. Your employer must be signed up to the scheme. You may be eligible if your child is under 15, or under 16 if your child has a disability, and you get a regular salary. You must also be the legal guardian of the child.
This scheme will close to new applicants from October 2018 but you can apply for Tax-Free Childcare instead.
Find out more about the childcare voucher scheme.
Tax Credits
If you get Working Tax Credit, and you and your partner each work at least 16 hours a week, you can claim back up to 70% of your eligible childcare costs. If your child is disabled you can claim for children up to 17.
You can't claim Universal Credits, tax credits or Tax-Free Childcare at the same time. Find out more about Working Tax Credits.
Universal Credits
You can claim Universal Credit if you're either a:
- single parent (living anywhere in the UK)
- couple or family living in certain areas
You must also:
- be 18 or over
- be under State Pension age
- not be in full time education or training
- not have savings over £16,000
You can't claim Universal Credits, tax credits or Tax-Free Childcare at the same time. Get further details on Universal Credit.
Funding for parents who are studying
If you're studying you could get a Childcare Grant, Discretionary Learner Support or Care to Learn.
There is extended eligibility available for children with SEN and/or a disability for the Childcare Grant and Discretionary Learner Support.
Find out more about funding for parents who are studying.
Support in the childcare setting
Your childcare provider may be eligible for funding to support your child's needs in the setting. Speak to your provider to find out what is available.