Child and woman

Childcare vouchers explained

  • How you can save more than £1,000 a year on childcare
  • Higher- and top-rate taxpayers must apply before April 2011 for maximum benefit
  • How to work out whether childcare vouchers will benefit you, if you currently receive childcare tax credits
  • How to get free childcare for young children

What's in this guide

What are childcare vouchers?

We look at what childcare vouchers are, how the voucher scheme works and how much money they could save you.

Childcare vouchers vs childcare tax credit

Claiming childcare tax credits? You need to check how these will be affected by childcare vouchers before you sign up – we show you how.

Higher-rate taxpayers – deadline for applying

Childcare vouchers are changing from April 2011. We explain why higher-rate taxpayers need to sign up now to save money.

Free childcare

Find out how you can get up to 15 hours a week of free childcare for your child before they start school.

Which? works for you