Childcare Costs
Find out what benefits and financial support you may be able to get
Tax-free childcare
You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the cost of childcare.
Claim tax-free childcare
30 hours free childcare
Eligible working families in England with 3 and 4 year old children can receive 30 hours of free childcare a week.
Visit Childcare Choices for more information
15 hours free childcare
Families in England who have 2 year old children and are on certain benefits can get 15 hours of free childcare a week.
All families with children aged 3 and 4 can also access 15 hours of free childcare a week.
Visit Childcare Choices for more information
Child Benefit
You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:
- under 16
- under 20 if they stay in approved education or training
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.
It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
Claim back childcare costs
You may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs if you’re eligible for Universal Credit, with up to £646 back each month for one child or £1,108 for 2 or more children.
Find out more about claiming back childcare costs
Apply for free school meals
Free school meals are available to pupils in England during term time if parents get certain benefits.
Check if your child can get free school meals
Holiday activities and food programme
You can get access to free activities and food for your children in the holidays if they receive free school meals.
The programme runs through the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays this year.
To find out more visit the Education Hub or contact your local Council.
National Breakfast Clubs
All participating schools will receive a 75% government subsidy for breakfast club provision, with 25% from other funding streams.
Find out more about the National School Breakfast Programme
Household Support Fund
£1.5 billion has been made available to support the most vulnerable to cover their essential daily costs, like energy bills. Recipients include pensioners and families with children.
Local authorities can also issue food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Get help with the cost of living from your local council
Claim Healthy Start vouchers
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
Check if you’re eligible for Healthy Start vouchers
Get help with maternity costs
You could claim a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child.
Check if you’re eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant