Get childcare: step by step

Find out if you can get help with childcare costs

You can only get help with ‘approved childcare’.

You can get help with childcare costs for children under 18. You might be able to apply for:

You could also get free childcare when your child is aged 9 months to 4 years. You might be able to apply for:

You can only get childcare vouchers if you have already joined a scheme.

Check what to do if your circumstances change

If you’re getting Free Childcare for Working Parents or Tax-Free Childcare you have to confirm if your details are up to date every 3 months.

Your eligibility for support with childcare costs might also change.

Check what to do when your child reaches school age