Tax-Free Childcare
Government top-ups to help working parents pay for childcare.
Financial Support
Last updated: 5 September 2026
What it is about
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme to help working parents with the costs of approved childcare (such as childminders, nurseries, nannies, and after-school clubs).
What is involved
You set up an online childcare account. For every £8 you pay into the account, the government tops it up with an extra £2.
You will usually need to be working (or returning to work) to qualify.
Timeframes
The scheme is available until your child is 11 years old (or 16 years old if they are disabled).
What you benefit from
The total top-up you can get is £500 every 3 months (which is up to £2,000 a year per child).
If your child is disabled, the maximum top-up increases to £1,000 every 3 months (up to £4,000 a year).