Tax-Free Childcare (TFC)
Updated 12 August 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-service-personnel-and-their-families-on-child-welfare-policies/tax-free-childcare-tfc
Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) is a government scheme introduced in April 2017 to help working parents with the cost of childcare. Parents can open an online savings account which they can use to pay for childcare from an accredited and registered provider.
The Offer
UK
Working parents (including those self-employed) with children aged 0 to 11 (up to 16 if disabled) can get TFC.
Get Tax-Free Childcare: step by step and save up to £2,000 per child per year. For every £8 parents pay in, the government adds an extra £2.
Overseas
Service parents and entitled MOD civilians can access TFC when using MOD-approved childcare providers (including within schools, nurseries and registered childminders).
For more information, please visit: DIN - Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) Scheme for eligible working parents (accessible by MOD personnel only).
What parents need to do
- visit Childcare Choices to see the choices available and apply
- search for childcare providers signed up to TFC - when searching for MOD providers parents need to enter the provider reference number followed by the relevant BFPO number in the search field
Eligibility
To check if you’re eligible for TFC, please visit Tax-Free Childcare.
A list of MOD-approved childcare providers overseas can be obtained by visiting Education overseas for service children or contacting local Command or settings.