Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, website analytics and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information on how these cookies work, please see our privacy policy.

To agree to our use of cookies, click the 'Accept' button. No, give me more info
Accept
 

Help paying for childcare

Childcare

Tax-free childcare

You can get up to £2,000 a year for each child to help with the cost of childcare.

Claim tax-free childcare

 

30 hours funded childcare

If you're working and have a child aged 3 or 4 you can get 30 hours of funded childcare a week.

Check whether you're eligible

 

15 hours funded childcare

If you have a 2 year old child and are on certain benefits you can get 15 hours of funded childcare a week. 

Check if your 2 year old is eligible and apply online.

All families with children aged 3 and 4 can get 15 hours of funded childcare a week.  

Check when your child can start

 

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 Child Benefit

 

Claim back childcare costs

If you’re eligible for Universal Credit You may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs.

Find out more about claiming back childcare costs

 

Help when you're pregnant

 

Other help for families

Free school meals

If you're on a low income and receive certain benefits, your child can get free school meals.

School meals are a good way to make sure your child eats well at lunchtime and can save you time and money.

Apply for free school meals.

 

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)

If you claim certain benefits and your child gets free school meals, they can attend activities in the christmas, easter and summer holidays and get a meal, all for free.

Find out about free holiday activities and food.

 

Local support for families

If you have young children your local children's centre can help you find information and support if you need it.

Find your nearest Children's Centre.

 

Support in your community 

Lots of advice and practical support to help with the cost of living is available from many different organisations, and it is often closer than people think.  

Find organisations that offer support in your community. 

There are no results that match your search criteria