You may be able to get extra tax credits to help with childcare costs, if you’re a working parent.

Single parents must work 16 hours or more a week to get childcare tax credits.

Couples must both work 16 hours or more a week. But only one of you has to work these hours if the other is:

• entitled to carer's allowance
• in hospital or prison
• getting certain benefits, credits or reductions for disability or illness - eg Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or a disability premium for Housing Benefit

You could get up to 70% of the childcare costs you're claiming for, up to a maximum of £175 a week for 1 child and £300 a week for 2 or more children.

Exempt from tax and National Insurance

There are different types of childcare support your employer might provide where you don’t have to pay tax or National Insurance contributions. These are:

• childcare vouchers
• directly contracted childcare (childcare arranged by your employer with a specific provider)
• workplace nurseries

Not exempt from tax and National Insurance

You have to pay tax and National Insurance on support if your employer offers:

• cash to pay for childcare
• childcare fees paid direct to the childcare provider
• school fees paid direct

Discretionary Learner Support

If you're 20 or over and on a further education course you may be able to get Discretionary Learner Support to pay for childcare. Each college has its own scheme so contact the college direct to find out more.

Childcare Grant

If you’re in full-time higher education you can apply for a Childcare Grant to pay for childcare costs for children under 15, or under 17 if they have special needs.

Care to Learn

Care to Learn payments go direct to your childcare provider to pay for childcare costs. You may be able to get Care to Learn if you’re under 20 and caring for your own child.