Childcare costs
Key information
If you are working, preparing to work or in
education, you might get help with childcare
costs.
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland
Age rules: There are no specific age rules
Type of benefit: Depends on the benefit
Taxable: No
Administered by: Depends on the benefit
Index
You can read through this information sheet, or go directly to
the sections you want to read by clicking on these links:
In work
If you are working, you may be able to get
help with childcare costs through the following sources:
If your employer offers you childcare vouchers, you may want to
know if you would be better off having the vouchers or claiming for
help with childcare costs through the Childcare Element of Working
Tax Credit. To check this, you can use the childcare cost calculator
(link opens in a new window) on the HM Revenue and Customs
(HMRC) website.
Back to top
Looking for work
If you are looking for work, you may be able to get help with
some expenses, such as help with the costs of travel to interviews
through a discretionary Jobcentre Plus fund called the Flexible
Support Fund.
Ask your local JobCentre Plus office
(link opens in a new window) for more information.
Back to top
About to start a new job
If you are about to start a job, you may be able to get extra
help through a Job Grant, which is a one-off payment that can help
with additional expenses of starting work, such as clothing.
You may also be able to get some additional money during the
first year you are back at work, through an In Work Credit if you
are a single parent, or through a Return to Work Credit if you have
a health condition or a disability.
For more information, see the Gov.UK website
information on Benefits and help when moving from benefits to work
(link opens in a new window).
Back to top
In education
If you are in education, you may be able to get help with
childcare costs see Benefits and
students
Back to top
Last updated: 19 October 2012
Turn2us - to access benefits & grants.
