yCalculator

Tax-Free Childcare Calculator

Last updated: April 2026

GBP

Ages Of Children

Tax-Free Childcare covers children under 12, or under 17 if disabled.

Eligibility

Are both parents working, or are you a single working parent?

Does either parent earn over GBP 100,000?

Are you claiming UC childcare element?

Tax-Free Childcare

Monthly government top-up

£166.67

Annual government top-up

£2,000.00

Breakdown

Your monthly childcare cost£800.00
You pay into account£800.00
Government adds+£166.67
Total in account£966.67
Net annual saving£2,000.00

You have reached the maximum Tax-Free Childcare top-up for these children.

Free Hours Entitlement

30 hours per week

1140 funded hours per year, using 38 funded weeks.

Estimated annual saving£8,550

This is separate from Tax-Free Childcare. Eligible families can use both.

Comparison

Tax-Free Childcare saves£2,000.00/year
UC childcare covers£8,160.00/year
Better on these figuresUC childcare
Difference£6,160.00/year

Apply for Tax-Free Childcare

Apply through the official GOV.UK childcare account service.

Apply on GOV.UK

What is Tax-Free Childcare?

Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme where for every 80p you put into a childcare account, the government adds 20p. The maximum top-up is GBP 500 per quarter per child, or GBP 1,000 per quarter for disabled children.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare and free hours together?

Yes. The 15 or 30 hours of free childcare funded by government is separate from Tax-Free Childcare. Eligible working parents can use both for the same child.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit together?

No. You cannot claim Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as the childcare element of Universal Credit. UC childcare can be more generous for lower-income families with high childcare costs.

Related calculators:

- Universal Credit Calculator

- Child Benefit Calculator

- Take Home Pay Calculator

What does this mean?

This calculator is designed to help you understand the likely number before you make a decision or start an application.

Your result should be checked against official UK guidance, especially if your circumstances include dependants, exemptions, prior leave, or a complex immigration history.

Treat the figure as a planning tool rather than legal advice. Where the answer affects an application deadline or major payment, speak to an authorised adviser.

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