# Am I eligible for Tax-Free Childcare?

> Eligibility · Content updated 12 September 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/eligible-for/tax-free-childcare/

## What we checked

AI-assisted source comparisons of the stated scope; not individual professional approval of the whole page.

Checked 2026-09-12: Corrected Tax-Free Childcare to £2 for every £8 deposited: 25% of the parent’s payment and 20% of the combined total. Checked per-three-month limits and clarified child-age, adjusted-net-income and Universal Credit rules in the dedicated answer and eligibility checker. This is not a review of every funded-hours or baby-budget claim.

- [GOV.UK Tax-Free Childcare contributions and caps](https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare)
- [GOV.UK Tax-Free Childcare eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare/check-if-youre-eligible)

Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/eligible-for/tax-free-childcare.md

## In short

You may qualify if you (and your partner if you have one) expect to earn at least 16 hours a week at National Living Wage and no more than £100,000 adjusted net income each, your child meets the age rules (normally until the September after turning 11, or 16 if disabled), and you use registered childcare. You cannot claim alongside Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.

Tax-Free Childcare adds £2 for every £8 paid into the childcare account — up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 if disabled). Hundreds of thousands of eligible families never open an account. This checker outlines the main rules; confirm on gov.uk before you apply.

Typical amount: £2 for every £8 paid in — max £500 every 3 months per child (£1,000 if disabled)

## Who usually qualifies

- Your child is within the age limit: normally until the September after turning 11, or 16 if disabled
- You use registered childcare (nursery, childminder, after-school club, etc.)
- Each parent expects to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours/week at National Living Wage over the next three months
- Each parent's expected adjusted net income is no more than £100,000 for the tax year
- You live and work in the UK (with exceptions for Crown servants and armed forces overseas)
- You are not receiving Universal Credit or childcare vouchers

## Who usually does not

- Either parent expects to earn under the minimum income threshold (unless on leave or starting self-employment)
- Either parent expects adjusted net income over £100,000
- You or your partner receive Universal Credit
- You still receive childcare vouchers from an employer scheme (cannot use both for same child)
- Your childcare provider is not registered with Ofsted or equivalent

## How to check

- Use the childcare calculator at gov.uk/childcare-calculator to compare Tax-Free Childcare with 30 hours free childcare and UC
- Open a Tax-Free Childcare account at gov.uk/tax-free-childcare if eligible
- Reconfirm eligibility every three months in the account or payments stop
- Pay your provider from the childcare account — the government adds £2 for each £8 you pay in, up to the cap

## Frequently asked questions

### Can self-employed parents claim?

Yes if you expect to meet the minimum income threshold over the next three months. During very low-income periods you may need to wait until earnings recover.

### How does it work with 30 hours free childcare?

You can use both — 30 hours is separate funded hours at participating nurseries; Tax-Free Childcare tops up fees you pay for additional hours or wraparound care.

### What if my income is near £100,000?

Expected adjusted net income over £100,000 for either parent excludes eligibility. Some pension contributions and Gift Aid can reduce adjusted net income; use the HMRC definition and check your figures.

## Related

- [Tax-Free Childcare & free hours guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/tax-free-childcare-and-free-hours/)
- [How much is Tax-Free Childcare worth?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-tax-free-childcare-worth/)
- [Child Benefit](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-much-is-child-benefit/)
- [New parent hub](https://moneyguide.org.uk/for/new-parent/)

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Tax-Free Childcare](https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare)
- [GOV.UK — Childcare calculator](https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.