What replaced Childcare Vouchers UK?

Tax-Free Childcare will replace the existing Childcare Voucher Scheme from the 1 October 2018.

Can I get 15 hours free childcare for my 2 year old?

Using free childcare if you have no recourse to public funds 15 hours for 2 year-olds: Many parents on a NRPF (no recourse to public funds) visa can now access 15 hours free childcare for their 2-year old child.

Can you still buy Childcare Vouchers?

Unfortunately, the Government closed the Childcare Vouchers scheme to new entrants on 4th October 2018. This means that if you’re a parent looking to join Childcare Vouchers for the first time that option is no longer available to you. This is because the Government launched a new scheme called Tax-Free Childcare.

Where can you spend Childcare Vouchers?

Childcare Vouchers can be used to pay for a wide range of childcare including:

• Home based care such as childminders, nannies and au pairs.
• Pre-school care such as nursery schools, play schools and crèches.
• Care for older children such as out of school clubs (breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs) and holiday clubs.

Is there an alternative to Childcare Vouchers?

Tax-Free Childcare was introduced as an alternative to Childcare Vouchers where employers offer vouchers to pay for childcare based on a salary sacrifice scheme. Since October 2018 you cannot make a new claim for Childcare Vouchers. You need to apply for the Tax-Free Childcare scheme instead.

Does NHS give Childcare Vouchers?

Employers in the NHS can currently provide ESC through schemes such as childcare vouchers, workplace nurseries and directly contracted childcare.

How many free hours does a 2 year old get?

15 hours free
15 hours free early learning for 2-year-olds. Is your family living on a low income or claiming income based benefits? Does your two year old have additional needs, or have they left care? You may be entitled to claim free childcare up to a maximum of 15 hours during term time, or 11 hours per week throughout the year.

Is there an alternative to childcare vouchers?

Why did childcare vouchers stop?

The Childcare Vouchers scheme closed to new applicants on 4 October 2018, which means that parents had to be signed up, and had received their first vouchers, by this date to be able to still use them. The scheme closed because the Government has rolled out the Tax-Free Childcare scheme to replace Childcare Vouchers.

Can unused Childcare Vouchers be refunded?

Employees can use childcare vouchers for any registered nursery or childminder, as well as after-school and summer clubs, for children up to the age of 16. Vouchers can be refunded, but they cannot be transferred between employers.

Can Childcare Vouchers be used for residential trips?

Childcare vouchers can only be used to pay for qualifying childcare which is registered or approved. School residential trips do not qualify as registered or approved childcare because they occur outside of the school premises. The government does not have any plans to extend the use of childcare vouchers.

When does the Childcare Voucher Scheme end in the UK?

(February 2021) The Childcare Voucher Scheme was a UK government initiative aimed at helping working parents to benefit from tax efficiencies in order to save money on childcare. However, as of 4 October 2018, schemes are closed to new members as the system is phased out in favour of the tax-free childcare scheme.

Is the Sodexo childcare voucher scheme still open?

As of the 5th October 2018 the childcare voucher scheme has closed for parents to join, however childcare providers can enroll to accept vouchers and employers looking to move their existing schemes can set up an account.

How much can I save with childcare vouchers?

For example, a parent given £55 per week (£243 per month) in Childcare Vouchers after taking a salary sacrifice of the same amount, will then benefit by saving up to £933 tax/NIC. The nature of the scheme has allowed many businesses to benefit from running a scheme too.

Can you still get childcare vouchers if you are new employer?

Check with your new employer if you can still get vouchers or directly contracted childcare. You cannot continue to claim childcare vouchers or directly contracted childcare if you successfully apply for Tax-Free Childcare. Which scheme you’re better off with depends on your situation.