Tax-Free Childcare Calculator — How Much Will the Government Pay?
Calculate your Tax-Free Childcare entitlement. The government tops up every £8 you pay with £2 giving up to £2000 per child per year toward childcare costs.
Tax-Free Childcare is a UK government scheme that tops up your childcare payments by 25%. For every £8 you deposit into your childcare account the government adds £2 up to a maximum of £2000 per child per year (£4000 for disabled children). The scheme is available to working parents earning at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours per week but less than £100000 per year each.
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Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Top-Up Rate | 25% (£2 for every £8) |
| Maximum Annual Top-Up | £2000 per child |
| Maximum for Disabled Child | £4000 per child |
| Eligibility Income Cap | £100000 per parent |
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
How much will I get from Tax-Free Childcare?
If you spend £10000 per year on childcare the government adds £2000 making your total childcare budget £12000 while you only pay £10000. The maximum government contribution is £2000 per child per year (£500 per quarter). To get the full £2000 you need to spend £8000 on childcare annually through the scheme.
Tax-Free Childcare vs 30 hours free which is better?
You cannot use both for the same child at the same time. The 30 hours free childcare (for 3-4 year olds of working parents) is worth approximately £6000-£8000 per year which is significantly more than the £2000 Tax-Free Childcare cap. However Tax-Free Childcare covers children from birth to 11 while 30 free hours only applies from age 3.
How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare?
Apply through the gov.uk childcare service website. You need a Government Gateway account. Both parents must be working (or expecting to start work within 31 days) and each earning at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours weekly. Self-employed parents qualify if they meet the earnings threshold. Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months.
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Last updated: March 2026