Help with childcare costs
Different ways you could get help
Free Early Education places for 3 and 4 Year Olds
Free Entitlement offers free early years education to all children following their third birthday until they reach compulsory school age. It provides 15 hours of early education per week, for 38 weeks per year (divided between 3 terms, starting January, April and September).
More information on the scheme is available here
As well as this, Manchester is taking part in a national pilot scheme offering 15 hours of free entitlement to some 2 year old Manchester residents. The pilot scheme will run until 31 August 2011.
More information on the scheme is available here
Tax Credits
If you work and pay for childcare you may be able to get tax credits to help with the costs. You have to work for at least 16 hours a week to qualify. You may still qualify if you worked 16 hours or more before going on maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave.
You can get up to 70 per cent of what you pay in childcare, to a maximum of:
- £175 per week for one child
- £300 per week for two or more children
The amount you get depends on your income. The lower your income, the more tax credits you can get.
For further information visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/index.htm
Childcare vouchers
Childcare vouchers are a great way for employers to give working parents help with dependent children. They can help you find quality childcare to suit the needs of your family - and, because you don't pay tax or National Insurance on childcare vouchers, you can make savings of over £1500 a year.
Speak to your employer about their childcare voucher scheme, or call Manchester Family Information Service on 0800 083 7921 or email fisinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Contents of Help with childcare costs
- Different ways you could get help (this page)
- Free Early Education places for 3 and 4 Year Olds
- Early Education Funding - Two year olds
- Early Education Funding - Two year olds (continued)
