Student Finance England - Childcare Grant

What the Childcare Grant gives you

You will receive a state grant of 85% of your childcare bills whilst studying full-time, up to a weekly maximum. For one child, the upper limit is approximately 230 euros per week (£199.62). For two or more children, it is approximately 395 euros per week (£342.24). You will need to cover the remainder yourself. This grant is paid on top of any other student finance you receive and does not need to be repaid unless you have been overpaid due to a change in your circumstances. It is provided by Student Finance England and can be claimed throughout your studies, i.e. for up to approximately four years. It does not affect your means-tested social security benefits.

Who can apply

• Where you live: Your permanent residence is in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own regulations.
• Study level: You are a full-time student at a university and are taking at least 120 credit points per year as part of a degree programme.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Your children: You have one or more children under the age of 15 who are financially dependent on you. The maximum amount is less than 17 if a child has additional support or care needs.
• Household income: Your household income is less than approximately 23,200 (£20,107.23) euros if you have one child, or less than approximately 33,400 (£28,914.47) euros if you have two or more children.
• Student finance link: You are eligible for means-tested student finance and are not taking out a loan to fund postgraduate studies.
• No double funding: Neither you nor your partner receive tax-free childcare, the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, or childcare support from the NHS.
• Registered care: Your childcare provider is officially registered with Ofsted, the regulatory body for childcare in England. A registered childminder or nursery counts. From 1 August 2026, a nanny employed by you in your own home will no longer count.

How to apply

You should apply for this online at the same time as submitting your main application for student finance and provide the necessary supporting documents. If you have already submitted your application without including this information, or if you wish to add another child, please use a paper form instead. There is no fixed deadline. You will receive a letter informing you whether your application has been approved and the amount you will receive.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a means-tested benefit. It is a needs-based entitlement, which means that if you meet all the eligibility criteria, you will receive the benefit. The biggest hurdles are the strict income limits and the requirement to use a registered childcare facility. If your household income is below the threshold and your childcare is properly registered, your chances are good.