Childcare funding options

Temporary flexibilities for childcare funding

Eligibility for all the different childcare funding schemes have not changed but there are some temporary flexibilities for parents claiming 30 hours funded childcare and Tax-Free Childcare. This includes parents who:

are now not able to work
are now working less due to coronavirus
have missed the deadline to apply for this term

If your child is eligible you can still apply for 2 year old funding even if you haven't had a golden ticket. If you cannot find a provider offering care for 2 year olds you can use your funding later this year.

Tax-Free Childcare

For working families with children under 12 (17 if disabled); an extra £2 for every £8 you pay in.

go to Tax-Free Childcare

Universal Credit for childcare

For working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 16; 85% of childcare.

go to Universal Credit for childcare

Tax Credits for childcare

For working families with children under 16 (17 if disabled); 70% of childcare costs.

go to Tax Credits for childcare

15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds

For families with 2 year old children; 15 hours of funded childcare for 38 weeks.

go to 15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds

15 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

For families with 3 and 4 year old children; 15 hours of funded childcare for 38 weeks.

go to 15 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

30 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

Working families with 3 and 4 year old children; 30 hours of funded childcare for 38 weeks.

go to 30 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

Support while you study

For parents at sixth form or in full-time higher or further education.

go to Support while you study

Childcare calculator

Use the GOV.UK childcare calculator to work out if you're eligible for support.

go to Childcare calculator

Are you a grandparent or family member who provides childcare for a child under 12 years old?

If you're a grandparent or relative who has taken early retirement to look after a relative's child, you could get National Insurance (NI) credits to protect your pension. Find out more about Specified Adult Childcare credits.

Find information about childcare funding if you live in Christchurch

Find out about help paying for childcare if you live in Christchurch.

Contact us

Family Information Service - Dorset Council

Email: familyinfo@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 221066
Full contact details for Family Information Service - Dorset Council

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