Childcare costs

Childcare costs can absorb a huge portion of your income - especially if you have more than one child.  

The support you can get depends on the age of your child or children and your situation.

Use the Gov.UK calculator to check what help you could get with childcare costs 

Explore options: 

• Child Benefit 
• Tax-Free childcare 
• Free childcare for children aged 9 months for 4 years if you’re working 
• 15 hours free childcare a week for 3 to 4 year olds 
• Free child care for 2 year olds 
• Claiming back some of your childcare costs if your getting Universal Credit 
• Help available if you’re a student  

Please note: You cannot claim tax-free childcare and Universal Credit childcare costs at the same time. Before you apply for either, it is important to find out which option is best for your household. 

If you are unsure what help with childcare costs you can get, please contact Citizens Advice. [LINK]