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Tax ReliefUK-wide

Tax-Free Childcare

HM Revenue & Customs (Childcare Choices)

Description

HMRC tops up money you pay into a dedicated childcare account by £2 for every £8 you put in, worth up to £2,000 a year per child (or £4,000 if your child is disabled). Each parent needs to be earning at least the National Living Wage for around 16 hours a week, but under £100,000 a year — it's a separate scheme from the 30 Hours Free Childcare entitlement and can be used alongside it.

Amount

Up to £2,000/year per child (£4,000 if disabled)

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available across the whole UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
Income cap
Each parent must earn under £100,000/year and at least the National Living Wage floor for ~16 hours/week.

Want help with this application?

This one is usually simple enough to do yourself using the free official link below — but if you'd rather have help, we're building relationships with vetted professionals and can let you know if that becomes available.

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

Apply and reconfirm eligibility every 3 months via the Childcare Choices online service.

View official source

Last verified: 1 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.