Childcare Grant

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Eligibility

To qualify for a Childcare Grant all the following must apply:

  • you’re a full-time student
  • your child must be under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs
  • you get undergraduate student finance based on your household income (or are eligible for this)
  • you’re not getting a Postgraduate Loan
  • you’re a permanent resident in England
  • your household income is less than £20,107.23 - if you’re applying for 1 child
  • your household income is less than £28,914.47 - if you’re applying for 2 or more children
  • neither you or your partner are claiming Tax-Free Childcare, the childcare element of working Tax Credit or Universal Credit
  • neither you or your partner receive help with childcare costs from the NHS
  • the children in your grant application are financially dependent on you
  • your childcare provider is on the Ofsted Early Years Register or General Childcare Register - check with your provider

If your child is cared for at home, the carer cannot be a relative and must be registered with an appropriate body. Check with Student Finance England.

A Childcare Grant is different to 15 or 30 hours free childcare. You cannot use it to pay for those hours.