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How long can you get childcare vouchers for?

Author

Emily Carr

Published Mar 20, 2026

How long can you get childcare vouchers for?

30 months

Besides, is there a time limit on Childcare Vouchers?

Electronic Childcare Vouchers do not expire; however, your employer may have additional conditions on usage if you leave their employment.

Additionally, how long are Edenred Childcare Vouchers valid for? Edenred Childcare Vouchers do not expire and if you decide to switch to Tax-Free Childcare at a later date, you can still use up any vouchers accrued in your account.

Similarly, it is asked, is the childcare voucher scheme closed?

The Childcare Vouchers scheme is now closed

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.

Can my employer stop Childcare Vouchers?

Your employees need to tell you within 90 days if they get Tax-Free Childcare, so you can stop giving them vouchers. Employees can let you know by email or letter, as long as it's a written confirmation that they wish to leave your voucher scheme to join Tax-Free Childcare.

Can I use childcare vouchers for a friends child?

No, you can use your voucher benefit to pay any formal carers that you use for any Qualifying Child.

Can I get my childcare vouchers refund?

Vouchers can be refunded, but they cannot be transferred between employers. Both working parents are entitled to childcare vouchers. Childcare vouchers are one of the most common benefits employers offer to their workforce and, with childcare costs spiralling, they are likely to become one of the most valued.

What can you spend Childcare Vouchers on?

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.

Can you get Childcare Vouchers and 30 hours free?

You are still able to receive Childcare Vouchers in conjunction with 30 free hours, despite what the government website is currently advising. This is an error on their behalf. For clarification and to be able to proceed with your application, call HMRC on 0300 123 4097.

Can you claim childcare vouchers for more than one child?

Yes, as long as you remain eligible (see above). However, the maximum amount you can pay into Childcare Vouchers from your salary remains £243 per parent, per month, no matter how many children you have.

Can I use childcare vouchers for swimming lessons?

Currently you can claim Childcare Vouchers for children up to the age of 15 years old (or 16 years old if disabled) to use on afterschool clubs, child minders, holiday camps, swimming lessons, sports clubs, dance classes, private tutors and more (as long as they are regulated by Ofsted).

Is there an alternative to childcare vouchers?

Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare vouchers are both schemes designed to help with childcare costs. 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.

What is replacing childcare vouchers?

Tax-Free Childcare will replace the existing Childcare Voucher Scheme from the 1 October 2018. Parents already receiving childcare vouchers will be able to continue to use them after October if their current employer continues to offer the voucher scheme, but no newcomers will be accepted.

How do I leave a childcare voucher scheme?

To leave the scheme you need to provide Computershare with 1 months' notice.

Do NHS workers get childcare vouchers?

A Trust-wide voucher scheme is in place aimed at helping reduce the cost of childcare for our employees. All eligible working parents, with children up to the age of 16, are entitled to childcare vouchers.

Is salary sacrifice the same as childcare vouchers?

If your employer wants to provide you with Childcare Vouchers you can pay for them as part of your wages. You sacrifice part of your wages in return for a similar value in vouchers.

Who is entitled to childcare vouchers?

Most working parents with a child under the age of 15 are eligible to claim childcare vouchers. To claim them, contact your HR or personnel department and ask them how you can join the scheme. However, not all employers can offer the scheme and self-employed parents are not eligible to claim the vouchers.

Who qualifies for tax-free childcare?

The scheme is open to all parents of children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled). You can apply to open a Tax-free Childcare account online. If you are having difficulty with your Tax-Free Childcare account you can call the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097.

Can I use childcare vouchers for private tuition?

Can childcare vouchers be used for private education fees? Childcare vouchers must not be used to pay for private education, except for terms which start before the child reaches age 5. Payments to pre-school childcare providers which are attached to private schools are permitted.

Where can I spend my Edenred 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.

Can I use childcare vouchers for music lessons?

This can include activities such as music lessons and sports clubs, providing they are: invoiced separately to compulsory education fees • taking place after school hours • are not a part of the National Curriculum • taking place on the premises that form part of the school's annual inspection.

Can you use childcare vouchers for school meals?

Can Childcare Vouchers be used to pay for school meals? Generally no.However if the payment is for afterschool care and includes a meal, this may qualify.

Do childcare vouchers cost the employer anything?

Yes. Childcare costs that you pay for directly or by vouchers is not included in tax credit calculations. Reducing employees' cash pay may also affect their entitlement.

Do employers have to provide childcare vouchers?

As an employer providing childcare to your employees, you have certain tax, National Insurance and reporting obligations. Most workplace nurseries and childcare voucher schemes are exempt. There are different rules depending on whether: you provide a workplace childcare facility yourself.

Can companies still offer childcare vouchers?

Yes, employers can still operate an existing childcare voucher scheme, but schemes are closed to new entrants from 4 October 2018. Employees will be able to continue to benefit from an existing childcare voucher scheme provided that they remain employees of the employer, and the employer continues to offer the scheme.

How do I accept childcare vouchers?

Most parents receive Childcare Vouchers that are exempt from tax and National Insurance (giving them huge savings). In order to accept these vouchers you need to hold a valid registration or approval certificate before affiliating. Find out more and join the scheme.

How are childcare vouchers deducted from salary?

If your employer wants to provide you with Childcare Vouchers you can pay for them as part of your wages. You sacrifice part of your wages in return for a similar value in vouchers.

Do daycares offer free childcare to employees?

No, you are given an employee discount. When you aren't working your child cannot go to school. If you do bring your child to school you will be charged full price of the drop-in care rate. They offer a discount to their employees.

What is employer supported childcare?

Employer-supported childcare can include a range of strategies, from free or subsidized workplace childcare centers, to vouchers or subsidies towards the costs of childcare, and the provision of information or referrals to childcare providers.