I’m already claiming 30 hours free childcare, can I get Tax-Free Childcare too?
Yes, you can claim Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 15 or 30 hours free childcare for your 2, 3 or 4 year old.
Here’s what you can and can’t claim at the same time as Tax-Free Childcare:
I’m claiming childcare vouchers, would I be better off getting Tax-Free Childcare instead?
The best scheme for you will depend on your family’s circumstances. To find out if you’d be better off claiming Tax-Free Childcare, use the childcare calculator to find out how much you could get.
If you aren’t already claiming childcare vouchers the scheme is now closed to new applicants.
Can other people pay in to my child’s Tax-Free Childcare account?
Yes, you can only open one Tax-Free Childcare account per child, but multiple people can pay in to it. You will receive the government contribution in the same way for payments from other people.
Do I have to pay in a certain amount each month?
You can pay in to your childcare account as and when you like. This gives you the flexibility to pay in more in some months, and less at other times. This means you can build up a balance in your account to use at times when you need more childcare than usual, for example, over school holidays.
There’s no limit to what you can pay in, but government contributions are limited to £2,000 per child, per year, or £4,000 if your child has disability.
Do I need to be working full time to claim?
No, most working parents including those working part time hours can claim if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can I withdraw money from the account if I want to?
If your circumstances change or you no longer want to pay into the account, then you’ll be able to withdraw the money you have built up. You can only take out money you have put in, not the government contributions.
