Tax-Free Childcare
We understand that cost can often be a concern when finding a nursery for your child, so it is good to know that you may be entitled to government help with childcare fees. Many families across the UK are eligible for financial assistance with childcare under the government Tax-Free Childcare scheme. Once approved, you can use this scheme to help with your childcare costs at all our Seymour House nurseries in Essex and Hertfordshire.
What is Tax-Free Childcare?
Through this government scheme you can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with childcare.
This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).
Who can receive Tax-Free Childcare?
Eligibility depends on a number of things. The following list gives you an idea of the criteria.
- Are you working? If you’re working then, in most cases, you can expect to get Tax-Free Childcare. If you’re not currently employed, eligibility may depend on whether you have a partner who is working and what other benefits you may or may not be receiving.
- What is your and any partner’s income? Taking the average over a 3 month period, you must each expect to earn at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for a 16 hour week. If you or your partner have an expected income of over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.
- How old is your child? All nursery age children are eligible.
- What is your immigration status? You must be a British or Irish citizen, or have settled or pre-settled status. You and any partner must also have a National Insurance number.
You can learn more about eligibility on the government website.
How do I apply for Tax-Free Childcare?
Applying is a fairly simple online process. It takes just 20 minutes to apply on the government website. If you live in England, you’ll find out if you can also receive up to 15 or 30 hours a week of free childcare. This can be used alongside the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
What happens after I’m approved?
If you’re eligible, you’ll be set up with an online childcare account. This account can then be used to pay your nursery. Under the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, for every £8 you pay in, the government pays in £2, up to the £2,000 maximum per year for each child. You must sign in every 3 months and confirm your details are up to date to continue receiving these payments.
Government Funding for Childcare at Seymour House
In addition to receiving financial assistance through Tax-Free Childcare, you may also meet the requirements for 15 or 30 hours a week of funded childcare. If you are entitled to government help through any scheme, it can be used for your child’s place at all Seymour House nurseries.
Learn more about all funded childcare options at Seymour House nurseries.
