How it works

1. Set up an online childcare account for your child on GOV.UK.
2. Search for childcare providers through the online account using their name, town, or post code. If your childcare provider is signed up to Tax-Free Childcare, you can add them to your account and start paying them straight away. If they aren’t registered, you will be able to send them a nudge notification asking them to sign-up to the scheme.
3. Deposit money into the account. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your childcare provider. You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).
4. Use the money to pay your childcare provider through your online account.
5. Reconfirm your eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare every three months. You’ll get a reminder and it’s easy to do through your online account.

If your child is disabled

You can use Tax-Free Childcare payment to cover additional childcare hours. The payment can also be used to help pay your childcare provider buy specialist equipment, such as mobility aids. Talk to your provider to find out what equipment might be available to support your child.