HM Revenue & Customs reported on 13 October 2026 that 601,620 families received a share of £55.7 million in Tax-Free Childcare government top-ups in June, an average of £93 per family. The scheme adds £2 for every £8 parents deposit, with support of up to £2,000 a year per child up to age 11, or £4,000 up to age 16 for a disabled child.

Parents can receive up to £500 every three months, or £1,000 if their child is disabled, and can put the money toward approved childcare such as nurseries, before- and after-school clubs or holiday activity clubs. Unused funds can be withdrawn at any time, and HMRC said the scheme can be used alongside free childcare hours subject to eligibility.

HMRC listed eligibility as including a child aged 11 or under, with eligibility ending on 1 September after the child's 11th birthday, or age 16 for a disabled child. Parents and any partner must each expect to earn at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average, earn no more than £100,000 a year, and not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers. Each eligible child needs a separate account, and details must be confirmed every three months.