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Updated on 6 April 2026

Employer-supported childcare: the benefits

This page explains how much you can save by taking childcare vouchers offered by your employer. Different rules apply depending on when you joined your employer’s scheme. The rules for claiming childcare vouchers changed from 4 October 2018 – see our Childcare vouchers page for more information.

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Updated on 6 April 2026

Childcare vouchers

Childcare vouchers are a type of employer-supported childcare (employer-supported childcare) scheme. This page explains who can claim childcare vouchers. 

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Updated on 6 April 2026

Tax-free childcare

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.

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Updated on 6 April 2026

Universal credit: childcare support

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 ...

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Updated on 6 April 2026

Free childcare places

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.

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Updated on 6 April 2026

Employer-supported childcare

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. 

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