Tax Free Childcare Calculator

Employment Criteria: You and your partner (if applicable) must be working, whether as employees, self-employed, or company directors. You’re also eligible if you’re on leave (sick, annual, or parental leave) and plan to return to work within 31 days of your application. If not working, you may qualify if your partner is employed and you receive benefits such as Incapacity Benefit or Carer’s Allowance. You can also apply if you’re starting or resuming work within 31 days.

Income Requirements: You and your partner must each expect to earn at least:

• £2,379 if you’re 21 or older
• £1,788 if you’re aged 18 to 20
• £1,331 if you’re under 18 or an apprentice

These amounts reflect the National Minimum Wage for an average of 16 hours per week. Irregular earnings can be averaged annually. For self-employed individuals or those with multiple jobs, total earnings are considered. However, income from dividends, interest, rental properties, and pensions does not count. If either you or your partner earns over £100,000 annually, you’re ineligible.

Child’s Eligibility: Your child must be under 11 and usually live with you. Eligibility ends on 1 September after their 11th birthday. Adopted children qualify, but foster children do not. Disabled children who qualify for certain allowances or are certified as severely sight-impaired can receive up to £4,000 annually until 1 September after their 16th birthday.

Immigration Status: You need a National Insurance number and must have one of the following:

• British or Irish citizenship
• Settled or pre-settled status, or pending application
• Permission to access public funds (check your UK residence card)

Your partner also needs a National Insurance number. If living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you might still qualify if you work in the UK, began before 1 January 2021, and have worked in the UK at least once every 12 months. In this case, provide your Frontier Worker permit when applying.