The UK government offers Tax-Free Childcare to help with childcare costs, providing up to £500 every three months (or £2,000 annually) per child. For disabled children, this amount increases to £1,000 every three months (or £4,000 annually). Parents can set up an online childcare account, where the government will add £2 for every £8 deposited. Eligible parents can use this scheme alongside 15 or 30 hours of free childcare. The scheme covers approved childcare providers, including nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs. To check eligibility and apply, parents should visit the official UK government website here.

In United Kingdom, parents may be eligible for free childcare for 2-year-olds if they receive one or more of the following benefits:

• Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit, with an annual household income not exceeding £16,190
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credits, with an annual household income not exceeding £16,190

Additionally, children who have a statement of special educational needs (SEN), an education, health, and care plan, attract Disability Living Allowance (DLA), are looked after by the Local Authority, or have left care through special guardianship, adoption, or child arrangement orders are also eligible.

• 1st Jan to 31st Mar: The beginning of the term on or after 1st April
• 1st Apr to 31st Aug: The beginning of the term on or after 1st September
• 1st Sept to 31st Dec: The beginning of the term on or after 1st January

All children over the age of 3 (starting from the term after their 3rd birthday) are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week. To apply, contact the childcare provider and provide your child’s birth certificate.

An extended 15 hours (totalling 30 hours of free childcare) is available for 3-4-year-old children of working parents. This helps parents with the affordability of childcare and supports those who want to work or increase their working hours.

• Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) must be working
• Each parent must earn, on average, a weekly minimum wage equivalent to 16 hours at the national minimum wage or national living wage, and less than £100,000 per year.

• 1st Jan to 31st Mar: The beginning of the term on or after 1st April
• 1st Apr to 31st Aug: The beginning of the term on or after 1st September
• 1st Sept to 31st Dec: The beginning of the term on or after 1st January

To apply for extended entitlement, visit the Child Care Choices website here. If not eligible for 30 hours of funding, parents can still access the universal 15 hours.

At 24H Care in Hull, working parents with children under 12 (or under 17 for disabled children) can benefit from Tax-Free Childcare. By opening an online account to pay for registered childcare, the government will add an extra £2 for every £8 deposited.

• The child must be under 12, or 17 if registered as having a disability
• The child usually lives with you
• You (and your partner, if applicable) must be over 16, living or working in the UK, UK, employed or self-employed, over 21, and earning at least £120 a week on average (unless in the first year of self-employment)
• Different rates apply if under 21 or an apprentice
• • Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) must earn less than £100,000 a year and not receive other childcare support, such as from a childcare voucher or salary sacrifice scheme.

Parents may also be eligible if one partner receives Carers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, or Severe Disablement Benefit.

The Childcare Choices website serves as a valuable resource for understanding upcoming changes to childcare support. Parents can also access detailed information about eligibility criteria, application processes, and available financial assistance schemes. Keeping abreast of these changes is vital for families navigating the complexities of childcare funding in England. To apply for Tax-Free Childcare, visit the Child Care Choices website here.