Help with childcare costs
Tax-free childcare
You can get up to £2,000 a year for each child to help with the cost of childcare.
30 hours funded childcare
If you're working and have a child aged 3 or 4 you can get 30 hours of funded childcare a week.
15 hours funded childcare
If you have a 2 year old child and are on certain benefits you can get 15 hours of funded childcare a week.
Check if your 2 year old is eligible and apply online.
All families with children aged 3 and 4 can get 15 hours of funded childcare a week.
Check when your child can start
Child benefit
You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:
- under 16
- under 20 if they stay in approved education or training
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.
It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
Claim back childcare costs
If you’re eligible for Universal Credit You may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs.
Find out more about claiming back childcare costs
Help when you're pregnant
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If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk. Check if you’re eligible for Healthy Start vouchers
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You may be eligible for a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. Check if you’re eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant
Free school meals
If you're on a low income and receive certain benefits, your child can get free school meals.
School meals are a good way to make sure your child eats well at lunchtime and can save you time and money.
Holiday activities and food
If you claim certain benefits and your child gets free school meals, they can attend activities in the christmas, easter and summer holidays and get a meal, all for free.
Find out about free holiday activities and food
Local support for families
If you have young children your local children's centre can help you find information and support if you need it.