As Christmas comes around, childcare is likely to be at the back of your mind. But now parents are being urged to use the festive holiday to check whether they can claim for free childcare.
Lots of parents with young children in the area can claim for free childcare, but many don’t realise what they may be entitled to.
For 2 year olds:
You could get 15 hours free childcare if:
- You are on a low income, or no earned income and receive certain benefits
- Your child is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance
- A child you provide care for is looked after by the Local Authority
For more information, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/childcare-and-funding or call the Families First Information Service on 01472 326292 (option 1).
For 3 and 4 year olds:
You are automatically entitled to 15 hours free childcare, you don’t need to apply for this. However, if your 3 and 4 year old is in receipt DLA and attending a childcare setting for their 15 hours free childcare, you can get an extra £615 per year to support their early learning. This is not available to those in reception classes. Please discuss this with your childcare provider.
You could also get an EXTRA 15 hours (30 hours in total) if:
- You are a 2 parent family and both earn at least £139 each per week
- You are a single parent family and earn at least £139 per week
You can claim both the 2 year funding and the 30 hours for your 3 and 4 year old at the same time if you meet the needed criteria.
You may be entitled to claim Tax Free Childcare for your 0-11 year old (or 0 – 16 if disabled) if:
- You are a working family
- You are not in receipt of Tax Credits or Universal Credit
For every £8 you put into your account the government will add £2, for up to £2,000 per year per child.
Please see www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for more details and how to apply.
Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for children, education and young people at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Childcare is vitally important both to young children and to parents. For children, mixing with other children their own age can really help to build those early social skills and will get them used to a learning environment, making the transition to school later on much easier.
“And for parents, it can offer a little time out. Nursery and childcare staff have appropriate training and are passionate about what they do.
“Don’t miss out on what you’re entitled to – use this festive break to check whether you qualify and get in touch.
For more information, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/childcare-and-funding or call the Families First Information Service on 01472 326292 (option 1).
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