Check what help you could get with childcare costs

Use this calculator to find out how much you could get towards approved childcare, including:

  • free childcare for children aged between 2 and 4
  • help with childcare costs if your child is under 16 (or under 17 and disabled)

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

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What you need to know

From September 2024, you’ll be able to get 15 hours of free childcare for your child from the age of 9 months if you’re working. You can apply from 12 May.

Part of Get free childcare if you're working: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're eligible

    1. Check if you're eligible for free childcare if you're working
    2. Find out what types of childcare you can use

  2. Step 2 Check if you'll be better off

    Getting free childcare might affect how much you get in tax credits.

    1. You are currently viewing: Check if you’ll be better off

  3. Step 3 Apply for free childcare if you're working

    There's one application for free childcare if you're working and Tax-Free Childcare. As part of your application, you will find out if you can get both.

    1. Apply online

    If you're eligible you'll get a childcare account and a code for free childcare.

  4. Step 4 Give your code to your childcare provider

    Give the code in your childcare account to your provider along with:

    • your National Insurance number
    • your child's date of birth

  5. Step 5 Sign in to your account to reconfirm your details

    You must confirm your details are up to date every 3 months or your code will expire.

    1. Sign in to your childcare account to confirm your details

Also part of