Childcare Cost Calculator 2025/26
Calculate your total annual childcare costs and every government support you’re eligible for — free hours for 2–4 year olds (expanded in 2024/25), Tax-Free Childcare top-up, and the impact on your net household income.
Free childcare hours 2025/26
The government’s childcare expansion, fully rolled out from September 2024, means working parents can now access significant free hours across more age groups. All 3–4 year olds get 15 hours/week (38 weeks) regardless of parental work status, rising to 30 hours for working parents. 2 year olds of working parents now also get 15 hours. 9-month to 2-year olds of working parents get 15 hours from September 2024.
For every £8 you pay into a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government adds £2 — a 20% top-up. The maximum government contribution is £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for disabled children). Both parents must be working and each earning at least £2,575/quarter (the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours/week). Neither parent can earn over £100,000/year.
