You can get some free childcare places in most parts of the UK, although the arrangements are different across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can contact your local Family Information Service for more information about free childcare hours and childcare in your area.

Universal credit is a means-tested benefit providing help with living costs for people who are in or  out of work. Universal credit is made up of several different elements including a childcare element. If you meet the qualifying rules, then you may be able to claim up to 85% of your ...

Tax-free childcare is a government childcare support scheme. It replaces directly contracted childcare and childcare vouchers offered by employers for new claimants. This page explains how Tax-free childcare works.

Some employers offer employer-supported childcare to help towards the costs of qualifying childcare. It is up to your employer whether they decide to offer employer-supported childcare or not. There are three types of employer-supported childcare. 

The tax credits system closed on 5 April 2025, so no tax credit awards continue after that date. Most people will have been invited to claim either universal credit or pension credit. However, HMRC may still check awards for 2024/25 and earlier tax credit years after 5 April 2025 to make sure they ...

The tax credits system closed on 5 April 2025, so no tax credit awards continue after that date. Most people will have been invited to claim either universal credit or pension credit. However, you may still wish to make a formal complaint about an earlier tax credit award or things that have ...