Help paying for childcare

Childcare can be expensive but help is available, such as:

Tax Credits

You may be able to claim Tax Credits, depending on your circumstances.

Studying

If you're a parent and studying a course, there are a few different schemes that may be able to help with childcare costs.

  • Care to Learn -  if you're under 20, a parent and studying a course, this scheme can help pay for your childcare and travel costs.
  • Discretionary Learner Support - if you’re aged 19 or over, on a further education course and facing financial hardship.
  • Childcare Grant - you may be eligible for help with your learning costs if you are a full-time higher education student and have children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs.
  • Parent's Learning Allowance - you may be eligible for help with your learning costs if you’re a full-time student with children.