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Tax-Free Childcare Calculator

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TFC Calculator

Tax-Free Childcare Calculator

Calculate your government childcare contributions with our free, easy-to-use Tax-Free Childcare calculator.

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© 2026 TFC Calculator. Made with in South London for UK families.

This calculator is for guidance only. Always check with HMRC for official information.

Tax-Free Childcare Examples

See real-world examples of how Tax-Free Childcare works for different family situations and childcare costs

Current policy examples
Remember: These examples assume families are eligible and use the maximum government contribution available. Your actual savings will depend on your specific childcare costs and usage.

Single Child - Nursery

Family with one 4-year-old in full-time nursery

Family Details

Children:1
Age 4:Regular child
Monthly cost:£1,200
Eligibility-period cost:£3,600

Eligibility-Period Breakdown

You pay in:£3,100
Government adds:£500
Total available:£3,600
Top-up limit:£500
Top-up remaining:£0

Annual Summary

Total childcare cost:£14,400
You pay:£12,400
Government contributes:£2,000
Your annual saving:£2,000

Payment Breakdown

You pay: 86%
Gov: 14%

Two Children - Mixed Care

Family with children aged 3 and 7, nursery and after-school club

Family Details

Children:2
Age 3:Regular child
Age 7:Regular child
Monthly cost:£1,800
Eligibility-period cost:£5,400

Eligibility-Period Breakdown

You pay in:£4,400
Government adds:£1,000
Total available:£5,400
Top-up limit:£1,000
Top-up remaining:£0

Annual Summary

Total childcare cost:£21,600
You pay:£17,600
Government contributes:£4,000
Your annual saving:£4,000

Payment Breakdown

You pay: 81%
Gov: 19%

Disabled Child - Enhanced Support

Family with one 8-year-old disabled child requiring specialist care

Family Details

Children:1
Age 8:Disabled child
Monthly cost:£2,000
Eligibility-period cost:£6,000

Eligibility-Period Breakdown

You pay in:£5,000
Government adds:£1,000
Total available:£6,000
Top-up limit:£1,000
Top-up remaining:£0

Annual Summary

Total childcare cost:£24,000
You pay:£20,000
Government contributes:£4,000
Your annual saving:£4,000

Payment Breakdown

You pay: 83%
Gov: 17%

Part-Time Care

Family with one 5-year-old in part-time nursery and holiday club

Family Details

Children:1
Age 5:Regular child
Monthly cost:£600
Eligibility-period cost:£1,800

Eligibility-Period Breakdown

You pay in:£1,440
Government adds:£360
Total available:£1,800
Top-up limit:£500
Top-up remaining:£140

Annual Summary

Total childcare cost:£7,200
You pay:£5,760
Government contributes:£1,440
Your annual saving:£1,440

Payment Breakdown

You pay: 80%
Gov: 20%

Quick Comparison

ScenarioMonthly CostYou Pay (per period)Gov Adds (per period)Annual Saving
Single Child - Nursery£1,200£3,100£500£2,000
Two Children - Mixed Care£1,800£4,400£1,000£4,000
Disabled Child - Enhanced Support£2,000£5,000£1,000£4,000
Part-Time Care£600£1,440£360£1,440

Important Notes

Eligibility-Period Limits

  • • Regular child: £500 government top-up per eligibility period
  • • Disabled child: £1,000 government top-up per eligibility period
  • • Periods are normally about 3 months
  • • Unused allowance doesn't roll over

Eligibility Requirements

  • • Meet the current HMRC earnings and income rules
  • • Both partners must qualify (if applicable)
  • • Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months
  • • Childcare provider must be registered

Calculate Your Own Savings

Every family's situation is different. Use our free calculator to see exactly how much you could save with Tax-Free Childcare.