You appear to be using an unsupported browser, and it may not be able to display this site properly. You may wish to upgrade your browser.

We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Help paying for childcare

Other help to pay for childcare

Last updated
17 Sep 2024

Childcare calculator

Check what help you could get using the childcare costs calculator on GOV.UK.

Universal Credit

Find out if Universal Credit can pay some of your childcare costs on GOV.UK.

Tax-Free Childcare

Check if you’re eligible for Tax-Free Childcare on GOV.UK.

You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as:

  • Universal Credit 
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • childcare vouchers

Tax credits

Find out more about Universal Credit replacing tax credits by April 2025 on GOV.UK.

To make a new tax credit claim for childcare you must already use tax credits.

You cannot get tax credits for childcare if you get Universal Credit.

Check if you can use tax credits to pay for childcare on GOV.UK.

Childcare vouchers

Childcare voucher schemes closed to new joiners on 4 October 2018. If you joined a scheme before then you can keep using vouchers.

Find out more about childcare vouchers on GOV.UK.

Support for students at college or university

You may be able to get help with childcare costs while you’re studying.

Check what childcare funding you can get while studying on Student Information Scotland.

Local council support

Local councils may offer other funded early learning and childcare support.

Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth and Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Islands Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council
Back to top