2013 to 2014

Full-time higher education students with children can apply for a Childcare Grant of:

• up to £148.75 a week for 1 child
• up to £255 a week for 2 or more children

The grant helps with childcare costs for children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs.

You must be eligible for student finance to apply for a Childcare Grant.

Any money you get is paid on top of your student finance and you don't have to pay it back.

2014 to 2015

In 2014 to 2015 you can apply for:

• up to £150.23 a week for 1 child
• up to £257.55 a week for 2 or more children

You can get up to 85% of your childcare costs.

2013 to 2014 (and 2012 to 2013)

The maximum you can get is:

• up to £148.75 a week for 1 child
• up to £255 a week for 2 or more children

2014 to 2015

The maximum you can get for 2014 to 2015 is:

• up to £150.23 a week for 1 child
• up to £257.55 a week for 2 or more children

What it’s based on

The amount you'll get depends on:

• your household income
• the cost of your childcare
• the number of children who are dependent on you

If you don’t give details about your childcare provider on your application form, your first payment will be a maximum of £116.15 a week or 85% of your estimate (whichever is less).

Any money you get is paid on top of your student finance and you don't have to pay it back.

How you’re paid

You’ll receive the money in 3 instalments over the academic year. The payments will usually be made at the start of each term, directly into your bank account.

Income-related, unemployment and housing benefits are not affected by a Childcare Grant.

To qualify for a Childcare Grant the following must apply:

• you’re a full-time student
• your child must be under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs
• you have a student finance package, or are eligible for one
• you’re a permanent resident in England
• the children in your grant application are financially dependent on you
• your childcare provider is on the Ofsted Early Years Register or General Childcare Register - check with your provider
• if your child is cared for at home, the carer can’t be a relative and must be registered with an appropriate body - check with Student Finance England

Who can’t apply

You can't get a Childcare Grant:

• if you’re a part-time student
• if you don’t qualify for a student finance package
• if you or your partner are claiming the childcare element of Working Tax Credits or the childcare element of Universal Credit
• to cover free childcare - including the free care that all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to (15 hours a week)
• if your child is cared for by a relative or your partner mainly in the child’s home (even if your relative or partner is a registered childminder)

To apply for a Childcare Grant follow these steps:

1. As part of your main student finance application send Student Finance England an estimate of your childcare costs - use form CCG1 (below).

2. You'll need to send proof of the child's identity and financial dependence on you - eg their original birth certificate, your Child Benefit or tax credits details.

3. You'll be sent a letter telling you how much Childcare Grant you'll get.

4. During each term, you and your childcare provider must confirm your actual childcare costs - use form CCG2 (below).

5. If the actual childcare costs are higher or lower than your estimated costs, your next payment will be adjusted.

CCG1 form

Estimate your childcare costs on form CCG1 after you’ve completed your main student finance application.

CCG2 form

You’ll need to confirm your actual childcare costs during each term. Use form CCG2 for the academic year the costs relate to.

Where to send your form(s)

Student Finance England
PO Box 210
Darlington
DL1 9HJ