HMRC urges families to claim up to £1,000 quarterly via Tax-Free Childcare
HMRC announced that families can receive up to £1,000 every three months through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme and urged sign-ups before the October half-term.
HMRC released an update promoting the Tax-Free Childcare programme, highlighting that families can obtain up to £1,000 each quarter when they enroll. Over 600,000 families have already cut childcare costs through the scheme, and the agency is urging more to sign up before the October half-term. Recent figures show 601,620 families benefited from £55.7 million in government contributions in June, with an average top-up of £93 per household.
The scheme adds £2 for every £8 deposited by parents, and offers up to £500 quarterly—or £1,000 for disabled children. To qualify, families must have a child aged 11 or younger (or under 16 if disabled), both parents must earn at least the National Minimum Wage, each must earn no more than £100,000 annually, and they must not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers. Funds can be used for any approved childcare service and withdrawn at any time.
Why it matters
The reminder could help millions of working parents lower childcare costs and access additional government support.
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