Childcare Grant
What you'll get
The amount you’ll get depends on:
- your household income
- the number of children who are dependent on you
2020 to 2021 academic year
You can get 85% of your childcare costs or a fixed maximum amount, whichever is less:
- up to £174.22 a week for 1 child
- up to £298.69 a week for 2 or more children
Example If your childcare for 1 child costs £100 a week you’ll get £85 - this is 85% of your costs.
If your childcare for 1 child costs £220 a week, you’ll get £174.22. This is because 85% of your costs is £187, which is above the maximum weekly amount.
You have to pay for any remaining costs.
2019 to 2020 academic year
You can get 85% of your childcare costs or a fixed maximum amount, whichever is less.
The maximum you can get is:
- up to £169.31 a week for 1 child
- up to £290.27 a week for 2 or more children
Example If your childcare for 1 child costs £100 a week you’ll get £85 - this is 85% of your costs.
If your childcare for 1 child costs £200 a week, you’ll get £169.31. This is because 85% of your costs is £170, which is above the maximum weekly amount.
You have to pay for any remaining costs.
How you’re paid
Your grant will be paid into a Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account. You’ll get an email telling you how to set one up.
Your childcare provider will send requests for payment to the CCGPS, which you can approve through your account. Your provider will be paid directly from the money in your account.
Any money that’s left over at the end of the academic year will be returned to Student Finance England.
Income-related, unemployment and housing benefits are not affected by a Childcare Grant.