The government has announced its tax-free childcare scheme is open to all eligible families, almost a year after it was initially launched.
Working parents who earn more than £120 a week and less than £100,000 a year are eligible for the scheme if they have children aged 12 and under or under 17 for disabled children.
This will allow them to open an online account for savings used to cover childcare costs, including nurseries, childminders, after school clubs and holiday clubs.
For every £8 paid in, the government adds an extra £2, up to a limit of £2,000 per year – or £4,000 for parents of disabled children.
The scheme was launched in April 2017, but was delayed after several parents reported technical difficulties.
It has since been gradually rolled out for children by age group.
Elizabeth Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury, said:
Tax-free childcare will cut thousands of pounds from childcare bills and is good news for working parents.
More parents will be able to work if they want to and this demonstrates our commitment to helping families with the cost of living.
All eligible parents with children under 12 can now apply through Childcare Choices and should take advantage of the available support.
You might be interested in...
17 Jun 2026
Read how engineering firms can balance short-term pressures with long-term growth using R&D, strategic investment, and the right advisory support.
Learn more
Innovating when the pressure’s on: Lessons from Silverstone Composites
16 Jun 2026
Business mileage rates have changed - and are to be backdated from 6 April 2026. This is the first mileage rate increase in over 15 years. Read more to learn what's changed.
Learn more
Mileage Rate Change 2026/27
08 Jun 2026
Kieran Oldershaw, Property Service Associate Director, talks about how he's developed in his career over the years and what advice he'd give to those who are just starting out.
Watch now
Beyond the Books Episode 6
08 Jun 2026
Discover how TC Group helped Sentinel ICCS Ltd overcome complex accounting systems, streamline audit processes, and improve financial reporting and compliance.
Learn more
Case Study: Sentinel ICCS Ltd
27 May 2026
Domicile. Residency. Double taxation. The tax impacts that you need to know about working or living abroad.
Learn more
UK tax implications of working abroad
27 May 2026
Cut through the AI hype and demo overload with our five practical tips to help SMEs adopt AI in a controlled, business-focused way.
Learn more
Top 5 tips for SMEs starting their AI journey