Don’t miss out on childcare support you are entitled to

Parents often find it difficult to remain in work after having children, due to the challenges of finding and paying for the childcare they need. This can be especially difficult when children are very young and requiring full-time childcare, but is also an issue for families of older children requiring ‘wraparound’ childcare outside of school hours and during holidays.

There is childcare support available to most working parents using registered childcare. This includes registered childminders, day nurseries and out of school clubs. Details of registered childcare in your area can be found on the Family Support NI website www.familysupportni.gov.uk.

Childcare support for working parents (who must be using registered childcare) includes Universal Credit, Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers or Tax Credits. For parents with children below primary school age who are using Tax-Free Childcare, additional childcare support is currently available through the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme. It has been confirmed by the Education Minister that funding for this scheme will continue into the next financial year.

Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme

Parents who are using Tax-Free Childcare can make a saving of 20% towards their registered childcare costs up to a maximum of £2,000 per year per child. However, if these parents have children under primary school age, they can also receive a 15% reduction in their childcare costs, up to a monthly maximum of £167 per child, through the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme. This additional childcare support is not available for older children (at primary school) and is only for families using Tax-Free Childcare.

Get the right childcare support for your family

It can be difficult for parents to work out what childcare support is best for their family. We would encourage anyone applying for childcare support for the first time or whose circumstances have changed (eg moving into work or working more hours) to call the Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org for free, impartial and confidential advice.