Finding affordable childcare can be a challenge for families across Northern Ireland. But did you know that financial support may be available to help with the cost of registered childcare, including breakfast clubs, afterschool care and holiday clubs?

For many parents, childcare is essential to being able to work, study, attend training or balance the demands of family life. However, with the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, finding childcare that is both affordable and meets your child’s needs can feel overwhelming.

During Parenting Week, we want to help parents and carers understand the financial support that may be available, make informed childcare choices and find out where to get advice tailored to their family.

What financial help is available?

There are several schemes that may help eligible families with the cost of registered or approved childcare in Northern Ireland. The support available will depend on your individual circumstances.

Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS)

The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme provides a 15% reduction in eligible childcare fees for qualifying children, subject to the scheme’s rules and maximum payment limits.

The scheme is available to eligible parents using participating childcare providers. Parents must be registered for Tax-Free Childcare, and their provider must participate in the scheme.

Importantly, school-age children are included, so eligible families may be able to benefit when paying for registered breakfast clubs, afterschool care and holiday childcare.

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that helps eligible working parents with the cost of approved childcare.

For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2. This can provide up to £500 every three months for each eligible child, or up to £2,000 per year. For a disabled child, the maximum increases to £1,000 every three months, or £4,000 per year.

The scheme is available to eligible working parents, including self-employed parents, for children aged 11 and under, or 16 and under if disabled.

You can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for approved childcare such as breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs and holiday schemes, provided your childcare provider is registered for the scheme.

Tax-Free Childcare cannot be used at the same time as Universal Credit or existing childcare vouchers. It is therefore important to check which option is best for your family.

Universal Credit Childcare Element

Families receiving Universal Credit may be eligible to claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, subject to the relevant rules and monthly limits.

This support is generally available where you or your partner are working, including eligible self-employed parents. Your childcare provider must normally be registered or approved, and you will need to report your childcare costs and provide evidence of payment.

Universal Credit childcare support is usually paid in arrears, which can make it difficult for families who cannot afford to pay their childcare bill upfront. If this is a concern, speak to your work coach or local Jobs and Benefits office about possible help with upfront costs.

Universal Credit childcare support cannot be combined with Tax-Free Childcare. Before switching schemes, seek advice so you understand the effect on your overall household finances.

Existing childcare vouchers

For some employers and employees their Childcare Voucher scheme is coming to a close in December and Childcare Vouchers still in existence will no longer be valid. For more information and guidance on the alternative forms of support contact the Family Benefits Advice Service of Employers for Childcare.  

Help with upfront childcare costs

If paying for childcare in advance is preventing you from starting work, returning to employment or increasing your working hours, additional support may be available in certain circumstances.

The Adviser Discretion Fund, accessed through a Jobs and Benefits office work coach, may be able to provide a grant towards eligible costs, including upfront childcare. Awards are discretionary and depend on your circumstances.

How do you know which option is best for your family?

There is no single scheme that is best for everyone. The most suitable option will depend on factors such as:

  • Whether you are working, self-employed, studying or receiving benefits.
  • Your household income and your partner’s circumstances, if applicable.
  • The number and ages of your children.
  • The cost of your childcare, including term-time and holiday provision.
  • Whether your childcare provider participates in the relevant schemes.
  • Any other benefits or financial support you already receive.

For some families, Tax-Free Childcare alongside the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme may be the most suitable route. For others, Universal Credit may provide greater overall help. The important thing is to compare the options before making a decision.

Get free, confidential advice from the Family Benefits Advice Service

You do not need to work out the figures on your own.

Employers For Childcare’s Family Benefits Advice Service offers free, confidential and impartial advice to help families understand the support available to them. Its advisers can carry out a personalised assessment of your circumstances, compare the options and explain which route may leave your family better off financially.

Contact the Family Benefits Advice Service:

Ask about a personalised benefits calculation to help you understand the support you may be entitled to and how different childcare funding options compare.

Why choose registered school-age childcare?

Affordability matters, but so does the quality and safety of the care your child receives.

Registered school-age childcare can provide children with opportunities to play, develop friendships, build confidence and enjoy a positive balance between school and home life. It also gives parents greater reassurance that their childcare provider is subject to the relevant registration, monitoring and inspection arrangements.

Before choosing a provider, ask whether it is registered with the relevant Health and Social Care Trust, whether it participates in the childcare support schemes you hope to use, and what activities and support it offers your child.

If you are comparing different childcare options, consider the overall cost after any support you may receive, alongside the quality, suitability and reliability of the provision.

This Parenting Week, take the first step

Every family’s circumstances are different, and support that works for one household may not be the best option for another.

If childcare costs are putting pressure on your budget, take a moment to explore the schemes available and speak to an adviser who can help you understand your options.

You may be entitled to more help than you realise.

Find out more at nidirect: Help paying for approved childcare or contact the Family Benefits Advice Service for free, confidential, tailored advice.

Eligibility criteria, payment limits and scheme rules can change. Always check the latest guidance and seek individual advice before changing an existing benefit or childcare support arrangement.

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