How to find childcare, get help paying for it and what to do if your circumstances change

Step 1: Find out if you can get help with Childcare Costs 

Check what help you could get with childcare costs 

You can only get help with approved childcare

Find where you can get childcare

• Find a nursery school place
• Find a registered childminder
• Search for free early education and childcare

Step 2: Get help paying for Childcare

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

• Tax-Free Childcare
• Tax Credits
• Universal Credit 
• help while you study 

You could also get free hours childcare when your child is aged two to four. You might be able to apply for: 

• free education and childcare for two year olds 
• 15 hours free childcare for three to four year olds 
• 30 hours free childcare for three to four year olds 

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

Step 3: Check what to do if your circumstances change

Tell government straight away if your circumstances change and you are getting: 

• Tax Credit 
• Universal Credit  

Your eligibility for support with childcare costs might also change.  

Check if your eligibility for help with childcare costs has changed  

Step 4: Check what to do when your child reaches school age  

Your child starts primary school the September after they turn four:

• Apply for a primary school place 
• Find before and after school and holiday clubs 

You might be able to use help like tax credits or Tax-Free Childcare to pay for childcare like wraparound care, after school clubs or other activities.