Get tax-free childcare

What is tax-free childcare?

This scheme is for children aged 0 to 11.

With tax-free childcare, you pay your Ofsted-registered childcare provider with money you add to your online childcare account.  

When you add money, the government adds extra money to help you pay for childcare.

  • For every £8 you pay in, the government adds an extra £2. 
  • If you pay in £1000, you’ll get £200 free 
  • This is limited at £2,000 each year for each child.

Check your eligibility and apply with GOV.UK. 

How do you get tax-free childcare?

If you do not already have one, you need to register for a childcare account.  

Then, follow the instructions to: 

  • Set up your tax-free childcare 
  • Add your childcare provider 
  • Add money to pay them  

Next, the government adds a contribution. Then, you pay your childcare provider. 

If you already have an account, sign in and follow the instructions. 

Sign in or register for a childcare account. 

Does tax-free childcare stop you from getting other childcare funding?

Tax-free childcare will not stop you from getting other kinds of funded childcare.  

You may already receive funded childcare like: 

  • universal childcare for 3-4 year olds 
  • childcare funding for disadvantaged 2-year-olds 
  • childcare funding for working families 

If so, log in to your childcare account and add your tax-free childcare option.