Tax-Free Childcare Calculator

Calculate how much the Government will contribute towards your childcare

You know how much your childcare costs... but you're struggling to work out how much you need to pay into your account to get the government's contribution to total that amount?

Then this calculator is for you!

Calculate Your Childcare Costs

Enter the total amount payable to your childcare provider

About Tax-Free Childcare

Quick Overview

  • Get up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 a year) for each child
  • Up to £1,000 every 3 months for disabled children (£4,000 a year)
  • Government pays £2 for every £8 you pay
  • Can be used alongside 15 or 30 hours free childcare

What You Can Use It For

Tax-Free Childcare can be used to pay for approved childcare, including:

  • Childminders
  • Nurseries
  • Nannies
  • After school clubs
  • Play schemes

Note: Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can benefit from Tax-Free Childcare.

Eligibility Criteria

Income Requirements

Over the next 3 months, you and your partner (if applicable) must each expect to earn at least:

  • £2,379 if you're aged 21 or over
  • £1,788 if you're aged 18 to 20
  • £1,331 if you're under 18 or an apprentice

Working Status

You can usually get Tax-Free Childcare if you (and your partner) are:

  • In work
  • On sick leave or annual leave
  • On shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
  • Starting or re-starting work within 31 days

Important: You Cannot Get Tax-Free Childcare If You Receive:

  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Childcare vouchers

Special Circumstances

If Your Child is Disabled

You may get up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday if they:

  • Get Disability Living Allowance
  • Receive Personal Independence Payment
  • Are certified as blind or severely sight-impaired

Immigration Status

To be eligible, you must have:

  • A National Insurance number
  • British or Irish citizenship, OR
  • Settled or pre-settled status, OR
  • Permission to access public funds

Ready to Apply?

Before applying, use our calculator above to work out your potential savings. Remember to check if your childcare provider is registered with the scheme.

Apply on GOV.UK