2nd April 2026

Information Factsheets updated for the new financial year

Our library of advice and information factsheets contain a wealth of useful and updated information for parents on childcare support and work-related issues.

We have updated our information factsheets in line with the new benefits rates and any other changes for the 2026-2027 financial year, following the Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s Autumn Budget in November 2025 and the Spring forecast in March 2026.

Information factsheets

As a parent, do you know where to start to find out what benefits and entitlements are available to you? We have updated our library of factsheets and guidance to inform parents of all their rights and entitlements.

Whether you want to:

  • check what financial support is available with your childcare costs
  • find out how the Budget will affect your household finances
  • learn about the different forms of support for registered childcare
  • know about flexible working policies and your rights as a working parent

… our factsheets, available here should give you all the information you need.

Looked at our factsheets and still need some advice? Our Family Benefits Advisors are here to help. We provide free, impartial and confidential advice to parents to help maximise income and inform you of your rights and entitlements. We also carry out “better off” calculations to help you make informed decisions about your current or potential circumstances and to ensure it actually pays to work.

If you are currently using the Childcare Voucher scheme our advisors can also check to ensure it remains the best form of support for your family circumstances.

To contact an advisor email our Family Benefits Advice Service at fbas@employersforchildcare.org

More News & Insights

30th March 2026

NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme support will continue for 2026-2027

From April the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme will be continuing with a 10% uplift in the maximum support available to families.

30th March 2026

Over 16,200 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Tax-Free Childcare

16,235 families in Northern Ireland were using their Tax-Free Childcare accounts in December 2025, this is an increase of 2,015 over the year.

3rd March 2026

8,500 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Universal Credit

Of the 91,940 Northern Irish households with children receiving Universal Credit, there are 8,500 in receipt of the Childcare Element, receiving support worth £4.5million each month.

3rd March 2026

What does the Chancellor’s 2026 Spring Statement mean for families?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves made her Spring Statement continuing the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ to put public finances on a sustainable path while supporting investment in public services and growth.

20th February 2026

All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare February Meeting

The Northern Ireland All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare met on 2 February 2026.

20th February 2026

Have you been on Maternity Leave – you may be due a Tax Refund

Often working parents who have recently had a baby find they have paid too much tax. This is due to the significant reduction in income that comes from being off work on maternity leave.