Tax-Free Childcare goes live!

Working parents can now apply for Tax-Free Childcare if they have a child who will be under the age of 4 on 31 August 2017 or a child who has a disability and is under the age of 17. The scheme was launched on Friday 21 April 2017, ahead of the previously announced launch date of 28 April 2017.

This new scheme means big changes to the financial support available to help parents with childcare costs. It is just one of the options available and we are urging parents to get advice to ensure they make an informed choice about what support is best for them.

Employers For Childcare has produced a guide, Big Changes, Big Choices, to help parents understand the new scheme and also to work out what will be best for them. The guide includes a comparison of Tax-Free Childcare with other forms of support, for example Childcare Vouchers and Tax Credits, some practical examples, and the answers to frequently asked questions.

The Government has launched a website www.childcarechoices.gov.uk through which you can sign up to receive email alerts that will tell you when you can apply for Tax-Free Childcare.

What should parents do now?

As further information is made available we will continue to update the Big Changes, Big Choices guide so make sure you check our website regularly to ensure you are referring to the most up-to-date version.

We know that working out what is best for your family can be complicated – we can help!

Employers For Childcare’s Family Benefits Advice Service was specifically set up to ensure families claim the best support available to them, particularly with childcare costs.

Call 028 9267 8200 to get advice from one of our Advisors and a personalised calculation setting out which form of financial support is best for you.

Watch Family Benefits Advisor, Chris Briggs discuss the implications of the introduction of Tax-Free Childcare with parents and the presenter of Focal Point (NVTV). This programme was first broadcast on Wednesday 17 May 2017.