Help Paying For Your Childcare
How Does Funding Work?
*All information is taken from the Childcare Choices website and correct as of September 2022.
We understand that trying to navigate childcare funding options can be difficult. With so much to consider and a lot of options to explore, it can become confusing to know what you are eligible for.
We want to make sure that you feel
fully supported and informed when it comes to the savings and financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
We recorded the following video to explain a little bit more about funding options…
Are you entitled to help with the cost of your childcare?
Tax-Free Childcare - Up to £2000 per child Who is eligible?
Working families, including the self-employed, in the UK
Earning under £100k and at least £152 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National
Minimum or Living Wage) each
Who aren't receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
With children aged 0-11 (or 0-16 if disabled)
For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to
£2,000 per child per year
How can I use it?
You can use Tax-Free Childcare all year round to spend on regulated child care, such as:
Childminders, nurseries, and nannies
Before and after-school clubs and holiday clubs
For example, if your childcare costs are £750 per month, you would pay £600 into your childcare account and the government would pay in £150. This would be an annual saving of £1,800 per child.
2-Year-Old Funding, 15 Hours. Who is eligible?
For families in England, receiving some forms of support
With 2-year-old children
15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
To be able to take up 15 hours of free childcare for your two-year-old you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria. Please visit Sandwell's website for further information.
A total of 570 hours per year , that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
Where can I use it?
It's available at participating:
Tipton Toddlers
Early Steps Dudley
Fairytales
From term after your child’s 2nd birthday.
3 and 4-Year-Old Funding, 15 Hours. Who is eligible?
For families in England
With 3 and 4-year-old children
15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
A total of 570 hours per year that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
Where can I use it?
It's available at participating:
Tipton Toddlers
Early Steps Dudley
Fairytales
From term after your child’s 3rd birthday.
3 and 4-Year-Old Funding, 30 Hours. Who is eligible?
For families in England
With 3 and 4-year-old children
15 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
A total of 570 hours per year that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider
Where can I use it?
It's available at participating:
Tipton Toddlers
Early Steps Dudley
Fairytales
From term after your child’s 3rd birthday.
Tax Credits for Childcare. Who is eligible?
For working families, in the UK
With children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled)
70% of childcare costs, up to a cap
If you cannot make a new claim for Tax Credits, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Where can I use it?
You can use it to help pay:
Registered childminders, nurseries, and nannies
Registered after-school clubs and playschemes
Registered schools
Home care workers working for a registered home care agency
Universal Credits for Childcare. Who is eligible?
For working families claiming Universal Credit, in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales
With 3-42-year-old children
With children under 17*
Up to 85% of eligible childcare costs
Who aren't receiving Tax-Free Childcare
* The childcare cost element in Universal Credit is paid up to the end of August following the child's 16th birthday.
Where can I use it?
You can use it to help pay:
Registered childminders, nurseries, and nannies
Registered after-school clubs and playschemes
Registered schools
Home care workers working for a registered home care agency
6 Birmingham Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 6NR
6 Birmingham Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 6NR