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Original poster

Can someone explain TaxFree Childcare?

32 replies

Lavender19Brown · 14/01/2024 21:07

Hi,

I have 2 kids, one is 5 and one is 2, we have been paying for Nursery care without any support or credits etc.
I stumbled across eligibility for support with childcare, done a lot of reading and applied online, we now have an online account, we have been told we are eligible for tax-free childcare and the code for the 2 year old with the new childcare 15 hours free....

However, Is is as simple as top up the GOV account and give the information over to our childcare provider? I have linked the nursery to account and I now have to top it up, but how do I know how much I need to top it up by?

Also WHY does no one want to tell you these entitlements?

If any one can share any advice or support I would really appreciate it.

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Original poster
Lavender19Brown · 14/01/2024 21:15

I just didn't know?! I don't have any friends around me with young children and the nursery and school haven't ever mentioned it!?
Feel rather silly actually.

OP posts:
bluechicky · 14/01/2024 21:14

KateyCuckoo · 14/01/2024 21:13

Multiply your nursery invoice by 0.8 and this is the amount you need to put in the account. The government will give you the remaining 20% up to a maximum of £500 per quarter.

Not sure how you've missed it, all my parents know about it/use it to pay me.

This.

You will have to tell the government account to pay it out though. It can be a Regular payment or I pay the exact amount each month.

KateyCuckoo · 14/01/2024 21:14

Lavender19Brown · 14/01/2024 21:13

Is there anything else we are entitled to that I am missing?

Thanks for that, if my 5 yr old has wrap around care at school, can I use it to pay for this?

Yes if they are ofsted registered.

Original poster
Lavender19Brown · 14/01/2024 21:13

Is there anything else we are entitled to that I am missing?

Thanks for that, if my 5 yr old has wrap around care at school, can I use it to pay for this?

OP posts:
PotatoPrimo · 14/01/2024 21:13

All the info is on childcarechoices.gov.uk

KateyCuckoo · 14/01/2024 21:13

Multiply your nursery invoice by 0.8 and this is the amount you need to put in the account. The government will give you the remaining 20% up to a maximum of £500 per quarter.

Not sure how you've missed it, all my parents know about it/use it to pay me.

Wtafis · 14/01/2024 21:12

You pay the money into the childcare account then the government add the 20%.
once it’s all there you transfer the total to nursery.
you know how much to top up as it’s 80% of your invoice