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If you live in England and work you may be able to get free childcare for a child aged 9 months to 4 years old. Check if you’re eligible and how and when to apply.

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Army Parents’ Network | The British Army

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The aim of the Army Parents Network (APN) is to support Serving Army Parents and the Chain of Command by providing access to information, advice and peer support. Based initially through our closed Facebook Group, individuals and the Chain of Command will be able to pose questions to the group.

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Tickets for Troops provides free tickets to members of the Armed Forces for a variety of sporting, musical and cultural events. The service offers serving personnel and those medically discharged from the forces since 2001, the well-deserved opportunity to enjoy an event of their choice with their friends and families.

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Short Breaks And Holidays For Service Families

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Short Breaks And Holidays For Service Families

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Activity breaks for members of the Armed Forces and their families who have a child with a disability and/or an additional need.

Due to a high intake of applications received in 2022, sadly we will not be accepting new applications for 2023 breaks. Instead, we look to reduce our current waiting list on a first come, first serve basis with priority to those who have not attended before.
We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. If you are not a member already, you may want to consider signing up to the Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) mailing list as you will be first to hear about application openings.

Alternatively, get in touch by completing the webform below for further support or to speak to a member of the team.

10 - 14 April
Calvert Trust, Exmoor

5 - 7 May
Calvert Trust, Lake District

31 July - 4 August
Calvert Trust, Exmoor

21 - 25 August
Calvert Trust, Lake District

23 - 27 October
Calvert Trust, Exmoor

There must be at least one parent attending alongside their children. Daily activities for each break will include:

Families sleep in their own rooms on-site, most rooms are made up of twin and triple beds. We will make sure that families are in rooms next to one another if we cannot fit the whole family in one room. Three hot meals a day are provided.

Please note, the SSAFA Family Breaks are very popular so places are given on a first come, first serve basis and priority given to those who have not attended before. You may only apply for one of the breaks and we will allocate which centre when giving spaces. If you are unable to make one of the dates please state this on your application form.

Eligibility:

All children within the family must be between 5-18 years.

Children are dependents of a current Serving person or reservist.

One child attending must have an additional need and/or disability.

At least one parent must attend the break with their child/ren.

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Short breaks and holidays for service families | Military families | SSAFA

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Activity breaks for members of the Armed Forces and their families who have a child with a disability and/or an additional need. Due to a high intake of applications received in 2022, sadly we will not be accepting new applications for 2023 breaks.

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Discover All Events & Activities in Salisbury, United Kingdom | Eventbrite

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Search for something you love or check out popular events in your area.

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Family mediation is quicker, more cost-effective and less stressful than heading to court for your separation or divorce. It gives you control, reduces conflict and helps you to turn your arguments into agreements - ensuring your family stays in control of arrangements over children, property and finance.

Family mediation can also help in the years following your separation or divorce. The agreements you made when you first separated may no longer work for you as your circumstances change. Family mediation can help you to agree new arrangements that work for your new circumstances.

Established in 1982, National Family Mediation is the original provider of family mediation. Our network of mediation services, each of which is a not-for-profit provider, delivers family mediation in over 500 locations across England and Wales, delivering some 16,000 mediation sessions each year.

Watch our video to learn more

As the largest family mediation provider in England and Wales NFM understands only too well the benefit good communication and agreement can bring to any relationship.

That is why National Family Mediation and the Association for Family Mediators of Ukraine have come together to offer a free confidential service to Ukrainians and their hosts.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

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National Family Mediation | We Help Families in Conflict

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Family mediation is quicker, more cost-effective and less stressful than heading to court for your separation or divorce. It gives you control, reduces conflict and helps you to turn your arguments into agreements - ensuring your family stays in control of arrangements over children, property and finance.

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We can take you where you want to go...

We provide a uniquely personal approach to discussing, creating and arranging your travel schedules, flights, itineraries and accommodation.

All you need to do is talk to us about the kind of holiday you're looking for, and we can paint a full picture of all the options available, leaving you with the delicious task of choosing which one you'd like us to book for you.

We provide a uniquely personal approach to discussing, creating and arranging your travel schedules, flights, itineraries and accommodation.

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Forces Travel | Military Holidays and Travel

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We can take you where you want to go... We provide a uniquely personal approach to discussing, creating and arranging your travel schedules, flights, itineraries and accommodation. All you need to do is talk to us about the kind of holiday you're looking for, and we can paint a full picture of all the options available, leaving you with the delicious task of choosing which one you'd like us to book for you.

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The SCC is a tri-service facility that provides short term transit accommodation for service personnel, their spouses, civil partners and families.

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DCS has responsibility for the functions, in support of service families related to education and care, previously undertaken by Defence Children and Young People (DCYP).

DCS is a Defence delivery organisation, subordinated under Army Regional Command. DCS' function is to support Service children and their Service families with educational needs.

DCS provides a single focus for all issues related to Service children and young people, providing high-quality education at 22 schools and settings in locations around the world. DCS also directly supports Service families, providing advice on a wide range of educational matters both overseas and in the UK, delivered by specialist education and advisory teams.

Information about the Education Advisory Team (UK)

The Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK), contactable at RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk, is part of DCS. It provides professional information, advice and guidance regarding the education of Service Children in the UK.

EAT also provides advice and guidance for service personnel and eligible MOD civilians regarding education and education-related issues, such as retention of Service Family Accommodation, the Continuity of Education Allowance & the Special Educational Needs Addition, Special Educational Needs and School Admissions.

The team comprises of qualified professional educational advisers, team advisers and administrators.

Information about the Overseas Education and Supportability Team (OEST)

The Overseas Education and Supportability Team (OEST) provides professional information, advice and guidance for service personal and eligible MOD civilians regarding the education of their children in overseas locations. OEST also provides educational advice and support for overseas commands and DCS schools and settings.

This team coordinates the educational supportability assessment process for overseas postings, in respect of children with Special Educational Needs and those for whom parents have selected Elective Home Education.

You can contact the OEST by emailing RC-DCS-HQ-OES@mod.gov.uk.

Each of these teams consist of qualified professional Education Advisers, Team Advisers and administrators.

Other services provided by DCS

For more information on the services DCS provides, please visit the following pages:

Specialist education and advisory teams: including the Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK) which provides service families with expert and impartial advice about all aspects of children's education in the UK and overseas.

Education in the UK for service children: information regarding aspects of education for service children in the UK, this will vary depending on where you live.

Further information

Education overseas for service children: the education provision for service children overseas can be categorised as MOD schools and settings or non-MOD schools locations.

Higher education for service children: information about higher education for service children including funding, applying for university and top tips.

Childcare for service children: information on childcare for service families within the UK and overseas.

Safeguarding for service children: information about the MOD and who you can contact about the safeguarding of service children.

Service Pupil Premium (SPP) is funding that can be received by state schools, academies and free schools in England, which have children of service families in school from reception to year 11. You can find out more on the Service Pupil Premium (SPP) information sheet

A COVID-19 webpage was created for vital information and support for parents.
Defence Children's Services (DCS) and Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding (AFFS) forms and information

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The DCS Vision is that we Educate the Child - Support the Family - Defend the Nation.

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Wraparound childcare

(Known as 'Out of School care' in Wales and 'School Age Childcare' in Scotland.)

Childcare is a concern that has been and continues to be raised on behalf of Service families by the Families Federations and other stakeholders, and the concern has been reflected in recent surveys carried out by the Families Federations and the wider Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey ( AFCAS), and the Families Continuous Attitude Survey ( FAMCAS).

Feedback from AFCAS and FAMCAS highlighted that a lack of affordable childcare has a significant impact on partner employment, which can influence service personnel's decision whether to stay in or leave the Armed Forces.

In recognition of the issues that some Service families can face when trying to access wraparound childcare and its potential negative impact on retention, the Secretary of State for Defence launched The Wraparound Childcare ( WAC) scheme.

Eligible Service personnel (Tri-Service) can register for up to 20 hours per week, per child, term time only (39 weeks per year) of wraparound childcare funding for 4- to 11-year-old children attending before and after school childcare in the UK.

Eligibility criteria

At least one partner (or single parent) must be serving as an Armed Forces Regular or Full Time Reserve Service (all commitment types).

The child for whom the Service person has parental responsibility for must be aged 4 to 11, must attend school (including home schooled children) and be living with the Serving person for the majority of the time unless separated due to service commitments (deployment, residential courses), or when on serving on unaccompanied assignments overseas with the family remaining in the UK.

A Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account must be set up with HRMC for each child that Service Personnel wants to claim the funding for.

The childcare provider must also be signed up to the TFC scheme.

The Service parent has either an assignment order to a UK based unit or is serving on an unaccompanied assignment overseas with the family remaining in the UK.

How to claim/payment journey

Service families can check if they are eligible and how to claim WAC funding by visiting the Discover My Benefits website.

Contact your unit HR team or admin office for any queries about claims. If you have questions about the policy contact PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Further information on WAC can be viewed on the Defence childcare information page on Defence Intranet or on Defence Connect (sign-in required).

United Kingdom (UK)

There are a number of childcare options for parents to choose from. Parents should go to Childcare Choices for further information and guidance on all available government childcare schemes.

England

From September 2017, working parents in England with children aged 3 and 4 years old, are entitled to 30 hours free childcare.

You can also check to see if you're eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC). You can get TFC at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you're eligible for both.

Scotland

For the current childcare offer in Scotland, parents should visit Parent Club or mygov.scot for information about early learning and childcare (ELC).

Wales

For the current childcare offer in Wales parents should visit the Welsh Government website for further information and guidance.

Northern Ireland

For the current childcare offer in Northern Ireland, parents should contact 38 (Irish) Brigade at RC-AWS-38X-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk for further information and guidance.

Returning from overseas or moving within the UK

30 hours free childcare codes are not valid overseas.

If you are returning from overseas or moving within the UK, please visit the 30 hours free childcare page to find out what is available in your area. The application process and deadlines may vary.

Parents who are due to return to England, after a term deadline, but are aware of this move prior to a term deadline, can apply for a manual 30 hours code for their return. Parents must call the Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097 and request a manual application.

HMRC will determine eligibility for the scheme by completing a manual application at the time of the call. If all eligibility criteria are met, the parent will need to provide HMRC with evidence of returning to England. This evidence will be in the form of an assignment order or civilian posting notice.

When this document is received and verified by HMRC, the parent will be issued with a manual 30 hours code to the email address supplied when completing the application. HMRC will provide details of where to send documents at time of application.

The 30 hours code can be given to the childcare provider prior to, or, upon their return to England. You can read 30 hours free childcare 2021DIN01-085 for more information and to apply.

Overseas

In overseas locations, the Ministry of Defence ( MOD) provides services (or access to services) that, so far as is reasonably practicable, conform in type, scope and standard to that required by legislation in England.

Parents will have access to the following:

15 and 30 hours free childcare

In MOD nursery settings overseas parents with children aged 3 and 4 years old can access 15 or 30 hours free childcare (depending on eligibility). 30 hours free childcare 2021DIN01-085 applies when registering for the additional entitlement. (DINs are only accessible by MOD personnel.)

Applications should be forwarded to the relevant setting or school for approval and recording.

Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA)

Parents of 3 and 4 year-olds in overseas locations, where MOD schools and settings are not available, can apply for reimbursement of nursery fees by means of ONA 2022DIN01-008.

Childcare Vouchers

The Childcare Voucher scheme is a salary sacrifice scheme, which closed to new joiners in October 2018.

Parents can visit the MOD childcare website for more information about the Childcare Voucher scheme. DIN 2017DIN01-092 (service personnel) or DIN 2008DIN01-176 (civilians) apply.

Childcare vouchers can only be used at nurseries or childminders that are MOD approved, regulated and inspected.

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare ( TFC) is a government scheme introduced on 21 April 2017 to help working parents with the cost of childcare and will, over time, replace the Armed Forces Childcare Voucher Scheme. Parents have the option to open an online account, which they can use to pay for childcare from an accredited and registered provider.

Parents can visit the Childcare Choices website to register. For further information you can visit Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) and you can also use this step by step guide to claiming TFC.

Whilst overseas, TFC can only be used at nurseries or childminders that are MOD provided (regulated and inspected). DIN 2022DIN01-102 Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) Scheme for eligible working parents (Service personnel) applies (Service personnel only).

Claim for Government TFC top up

If eligible for TFC and assigned to an overseas location within the European Economic Area (and Switzerland), where there is no access to MOD provided schools and nurseries, parents will be able to claim TFC top-up via a manual process. An explanation of the process and the application form is contained within 2022DIN01-102 Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) Scheme for eligible working parents (Service personnel) accessible internally via defnet. A copy of the application form can also be obtained by emailing PEOPLE-AFFS-Child-Expenses@mod.gov.uk

Universal Infant Free School Meals

The Department of Education announced that from September 2014 funding would be made available to enable state funded schools in England to offer a free meal to every primary school pupil in Reception classes, Year 1 and Year 2.

Service children in schools overseas in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 or their national equivalent are entitled to a free school meal. In some locations the schools will provide the meal but in others this may not be possible due to local conditions or restrictions. This provision is offered in line with English government legislation. 2022DIN01-009 applies.

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Details of how to apply for TFC/30 hours when in receipt of Armed Forces Independence Payment ( AFIP) will appear here in due course.

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Information on childcare for service families within the UK and overseas.

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Families Deployment and Support Guide

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Flexible Service
Guide for Regular Applicants and the Chain of Command

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Serial number: JSHAO/02

Date: March 2020

Review date: April 2021

This handout contains information on:

Discharge from service

Marital Breakdown

Notice to Vacate and Irregular Occupancy

It is a condition of service, in recognition of their inherently mobile lifestyles, frequently remote bases and terms of service that regular service personnel are provided with a satisfactory accommodation solution which can take the form of either family or single accommodation. The overarching policy document regarding the provision of family and single accommodation is JSP 464, Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations.

This handout covers the regulations regarding Service Family Accommodation. Occupants of Single Living Accommodation are subject to separate regulations and have no scope to remain in Service Accommodation after their discharge date.

It is important that personnel understand that service accommodation is like any other piece of kit that you are issued and that it will have to be given back when you leave the service. Although there are various circumstances that would bring about an end to an entitlement to occupy service accommodation (see JSP 464, Part 1, Chap 8 this handout will focus on a loss of entitlement due to discharge from the service or the breakdown of a marriage/civil partnership. It will also explain the implications of remaining in service accommodation beyond the period of entitlement.

Discharge from service

On discharge from the service the following periods of notice to vacate will be issued by DIO:

Normal Discharge: on normal discharge or Premature Voluntary Discharge (PVR) the DIO will issue 93 days notice to vacate timed to expire on the last day of service. If you require a longer period of notice to support your alternative accommodation you should request the DIO Loss of Entitlement Team to re-issue notice accordingly.

Short Notice Discharge: in cases of short notice discharge, 93 days notice to vacate SFA will normally be given even if this goes past the discharge date. However, in cases of discharge on disciplinary grounds or misconduct a minimum of only 28 days notice must be given.

Medical Discharge: for personnel compulsorily discharged on medical grounds, 93 days 'continued use and occupancy' of the SFA will be permitted after the date of discharge, at entitled SFA charges. Thereafter, extensions of up to 93 days at a time may be granted on compassionate grounds, at the discretion of DIO, in consultation with the Local Service Commander, at non-entitled SFA charges.

Redundancy Discharge: for personnel compulsorily discharged on redundancy grounds with 6 months or less notice, 93 days 'continued use and occupancy' of the SFA will be allowed after the date of discharge, at entitled SFA charges. Thereafter, extensions of up to 93 days at a time may be granted on compassionate grounds, at the discretion of DIO, in consultation with the Local Service Commander, at non-entitled SFA charges. From March 19 changes made to the policy set out in JSP 4641 which allows recently retired or redundant service personnel to stay in 'Surplus Service Family Accommodation' in the UK for six months on payment of the market rate is being extended to twelve months where availability of accommodation allows this.

Death of the entitled licensee

Following the death in service of the service licensee, the bereaved spouse/civil partner will be offered an entitlement to stay in their SFA/SSFA for a period of 2 years, paying entitled rates, to enable them to decide their longer-term housing requirements. Retention of SFA may be extended beyond the 2-year period at the discretion of the Local Service Commander in consultation with the relevant service housing authorities and DIO.

Marital breakdown

The service community mirrors the general population in that there will be occasions where marriages and partnerships do not work out. Whilst it is accepted that each case may call for special attention at local level the overarching regulatory position in handling marital/civil partnership breakdowns are detailed below.

Reconciliation period

If it is considered that a reconciliation period would help, the Local Service Commander may authorise a suitably agreed period up to a maximum of a 93 days 'cooling off period' when the service person moves into SLA or private accommodation. The 93-day period begins when this move takes place. The service person will not pay SFA charges and SLA/food charges. The service personnel will be exempt SLA charges during this period of reconciliation.

After reconciliation period

After the 'Reconciliation' period or as soon as it becomes clear that there will not be reconciliation, the service person will be classed as separated and will be required to change their P Stat Cat. DIO will then issue a 93-day Notice to Vacate ( NTV) to the Service Licensee and/or the estranged family (depending on who is remaining in occupation of the SFA). The service person will continue to pay for the SFA for that 93-day period (or less if their spouse vacates the SFA earlier).

Notice to vacate and irregular occupancy

Notice to vacate

The Notice to Vacate ( NTV) period is to allow you time to sort out your future housing if you haven't already done so. There may be circumstances when you can apply for more time to secure your future home. If this is the case, you will be required to complete a proportionality exercise assessment form which will be included in you NTV pack. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and your entitled family member(s) have accommodation to move into and the JSHAO can provide information on the options available to you if required.

For those seeking social housing through the Local Authority (Council) you should apply as soon as you know that you will need housing. You should update your application when you have your NTV and keep the Local Authority informed if your circumstances change in any way. You are entitled to a statutory homelessness interview at the Local Authority Housing Office 56 days before the NTV expires. Although the prospect of being made homeless is daunting it doesn't mean that you will be sleeping rough. It is a term to classify people who do not have somewhere appropriate to live. In the case of people leaving the armed forces it is the process that is used to transfer responsibility for housing from the MOD to the Local Authority.

The NTV letter from the DIO should be accepted by the Local Authority housing staff as proof that your entitlement to live in SFA will end. However, if they want further documentary evidence you can contact the DIO and they will issue you a 'Certificate of Cessation of Right to Occupy Service Quarters'. This is a document which shows when your entitlement to occupy service accommodation will end. Government issued guidance encourages local authorities to accept these certificates as 'proof of homelessness' and they should not insist on a court order for possession before being prepared to provide any homelessness assistance.

The Homeless Reduction Act 2018 came into force with effect 3 April 2018, which places a legal duty on councils to give people meaningful support to try to resolve their homelessness, as well as introducing measures to prevent people becoming homeless in the first place.

The period an applicant is "threatened with homelessness" has been extended from 28 to 56 days, and in addition ensures that anyone that has been served with a valid section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 eviction notice that expires in 56 days or less is classed as "threatened with homelessness".

Several factsheets are available on the Homelessness reduction bill policy fact sheets.

The Local Authority's Homelessness department have a legal obligation to help you. They will assess your individual circumstances and assess your priority need. If they consider that you can source and pay for your own housing they will only give advice and information.

Irregular Occupancy

If you have been unable to secure alternative accommodation before expiry of the Notice to Vacate, you should still be in SFA and continue to seek a place to move to. You will be classed as an Irregular Occupant and charged a new rate that is based on local council rents, council tax and water/sewage rates and, whilst this is not full 'market rate', it may be considerably higher than your current SFA charges. These figures are individually calculated and issued in plenty of time for you to apply for housing benefit if applicable. In the case of marriage breakdown your Council Tax charges will be abated by 25% to allow for single occupancy.

A Defence Infrastructure Organisation Service Delivery Accommodation ( DIO SD Accn) finance team deals with collecting payments from Irregular Occupants when they can no longer be deducted from salary, either because a spouse is now responsible for the quarter due to estrangement, or the service person has been discharged. All letters in relation to Irregular Occupancy, except for financial statements, will be issued by DIO. It is therefore important that you notify the DIO of any changes to your personal circumstances. Once a NTV has been issued you will be notified of the new charges at least 4 weeks prior to the Notice expiring.

The letters sent out by the DIO do use legal terminology and are set out in a manner required and understood by the courts and local councils. Terms such as 'Damages for Trespass' ('Violent Profits' in Scotland) can seem intimidating but they are simply legal phrases used to describe the total charges for the use and occupation of a quarter. If you have been unable to find a place to live the DIO will start court proceedings to evict you. The DIO will seek permission through the court to regain possession of the property by obtaining an Order for Possession (OfP) and then approx. four weeks later they will apply to enforce the possession order by asking for a warrant for a bailiff to have you removed from the property. Again, this process is to transfer the responsibility for your housing from the MOD to the Local Authority.

Throughout the time that you occupy SFA, including the time as an Irregular Occupant, you must continue to pay the appropriate charges. If you don't make these payments and are evicted for this reason you may be classed as making yourself intentionally homeless and therefore the Local Authority no longer have a legal obligation to help.

It is acknowledged that moving out of SFA is a stressful time and the process is complicated. Throughout your transition to civilian housing there are various people that can assist you and provide advice. You can speak to your local HIVE staff, or your Unit Welfare or Community Support Officer. Alternatively, if you are experiencing significant difficulties you can speak to the Army or Navy Welfare, or SSAFA who offer advice to all 3 services on welfare concerns, benefits and future housing provision. You can also contact the JSHAO who will provide advice on Civilian Housing Options.

Contact the Joint Service Housing Advice Office on the Civilian number: 01252 787574 and Military number: 94222 7574. You can also email the office on rc-pers-jshao-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

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Occupation of Service Family Accommodation (updated 16 September 2020)

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Serial number: JSHAO/02 Date: March 2020 Review date: April 2021 This handout contains information on: Discharge from service Marital Breakdown Notice to Vacate and Irregular Occupancy It is a condition of service, in recognition of their inherently mobile lifestyles, frequently remote bases and terms of service that regular service personnel are provided with a satisfactory accommodation solution which can take the form of either family or single accommodation.

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Separation & Divorce - Army Families Federation

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In the Army, or married to a serving person? Where to get support if you’re going your separate ways.

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You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).

If you get Tax-Free Childcare, you'll set up an online childcare account for your child. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider.

You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 15 or 30 hours free childcare if you're eligible for both.

What you can use Tax-Free Childcare for

You can use it to pay for approved childcare, for example:

childminders, nurseries and nannies

after school clubs and play schemes

Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them and benefit from Tax-Free Childcare.

Check with your provider to see if they're signed up.

If your child is disabled

You can use the extra Tax-Free Childcare money you get to help pay for extra hours of childcare. You can also use it to help pay your childcare provider so they can get specialist equipment for your child such as mobility aids. Talk to them about what equipment your child can get.

If your childcare provider is in an EEA country

You may be able to use Tax-Free Childcare to pay a provider based in a European Economic Area (EEA) country. Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check.

Eligibility

Your eligibility depends on:

whether you're working (employed, self-employed, or a director)

your income (and your partner's income, if you have one)

your child's age and circumstances

your immigration status

If you're working

You can usually get Tax-Free Childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

in work

on sick leave or annual leave

on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave and you're going back to work within 31 days of the date you first applied

If you're not currently working

You may still be eligible if your partner is working and you get any of the following:

Incapacity Benefit

Severe Disablement Allowance

Carer's Allowance or (in Scotland only) Carer Support Payment

contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance

You can apply if you're starting or re-starting work within the next 31 days.

Your income

Over the next 3 months you and your partner (if you have one) must each expect to earn at least:

£2,379 if you're aged 21 or over

£1,788 if you're aged 18 to 20

£1,331 if you're under 18 or an apprentice

This is the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.

You can use an average of how much you expect to earn over the current tax year if:

you work throughout the year but do not get paid regularly

you're self-employed and do not expect to earn enough in the next 3 months

Example

You're eligible if you're 21 or over and do not have a regular income but earn £9,518 a year. This is the same as earning £2,379 every 3 months on average.

If you're self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago, you can earn less and still be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare.

If you have more than one job, you can use your total earnings to work out if you meet the threshold. This includes:

earnings from any employment

earnings from any self-employment

If you're both employed and self-employed, you can use just your self-employment income if this would make you eligible. For example, if you expect your average self-employed earnings over the tax year to be more than you'll get over the next 3 months as an employee.

Certain types of income will not count towards the minimum amount you must earn to be eligible.

These include:

dividends

interest

income from investing in property

pension payments

If you or your partner have an expected ' adjusted net income ' over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.

Your child

Your child must be 11 or under and usually live with you. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday.

Adopted children are eligible, but foster children are not.

If your child is disabled and usually lives with you, you may get up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday. They're eligible for this if they:

get Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Child Disability Payment (Scotland only) or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland only)

are certified as blind or severely sight-impaired

Your immigration status

To be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, you must have a National Insurance number and at least one of the following:

British or Irish citizenship

settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied and you're waiting for a decision

permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this

If you have a partner, they must have a National Insurance number too.

If you're living in an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you (or your partner if you have one) might still be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if:

your work is in the UK

the work started before 1 January 2021

you've worked in the UK at least once every 12 months since you started working here

This is known as being a 'frontier worker'. You must show your Frontier Worker permit to the Childcare Service when you apply for Tax-Free Childcare.

If you get tax credits, Universal Credit, a childcare bursary or grant, or childcare vouchers

You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as claiming Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.

Which scheme you're better off with depends on your situation. Use the childcare calculator to work out which type of support is best for you.

Tax credits

If you successfully apply for Tax-Free Childcare, your Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit will stop straight away. You cannot apply for them again.

Childcare vouchers

You must tell your employer within 90 days of applying for Tax-Free Childcare to stop your childcare vouchers or directly contracted childcare.

They'll then stop the vouchers or directly contracted childcare.

You may have to give HMRC evidence of leaving the childcare voucher scheme. For example, a copy of the letter telling your employer you're leaving the childcare voucher scheme.

If you have a partner who gets vouchers or directly contracted childcare, they'll need to tell their employer to stop this within 90 days too.

Universal Credit

Wait until you get a decision on your Tax-Free Childcare application before cancelling your Universal Credit claim.

Bursaries

If you or your partner get a childcare bursary or grant or expect to do so within the next 3 months, you cannot get Tax-Free Childcare.

Apply
Apply online for Tax-Free Childcare
If you apply for Tax-Free Childcare and someone else already gets free childcare for that child, their 15 or 30 hours will stop at the end of the next term. You will be eligible for 15 or 30 hours free childcare instead.

If you have a partner

You must include your partner in your application if you are:

married or in a civil partnership and live together

not married or in a civil partnership, but living together as though you are

Their employment and income will not affect your eligibility if they:

are or will be absent from your household for more than 6 months

are a prisoner

You and your partner cannot both have accounts for the same child.

If you are separated

You and your ex-partner need to decide who should apply if you are jointly responsible for your child.

If you cannot decide, both of you must apply separately and HMRC will decide who gets a childcare account.

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What Tax-Free Childcare is, eligibility and how to apply

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Pregnancy / Maternity and Breastfeeding

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A Guide for Army Families.

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.
It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.

It's important to get help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last for months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

With the right support most people make a full recovery.

Depression during pregnancy

Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common, affecting more than 1 in 10 women.

Other mental health symptoms that can occur during or after your pregnancy include anxiety, panic attacks and psychosis.
Read more about mental health in pregnancy

Symptoms of postnatal depression

Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth.

This is often called the " baby blues" and is so common that it's considered normal.

The "baby blues" do not last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth.

If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:

a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world

lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby

withdrawing from contact with other people

problems concentrating and making decisions

frightening thoughts - for example, about hurting your baby

Many women do not realise they have postnatal depression because it can develop gradually.

Speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor as soon as possible if:

you think you may be depressed

Many midwives and health visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help.

Remember that:

a range of help and support is available, including talking therapy

depression is an illness like any other

it's not your fault you're depressed - it can happen to anyone

being depressed does not mean you're a bad parent

it does not mean you're going mad

your baby will not be taken away from you - babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances

Treatments for postnatal depression

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available.

These include:

self-help - things you can try yourself include talking to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help, making time for yourself to do things you enjoy, resting whenever you get the chance, getting as much sleep as you can at night, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet

talking therapy - a GP may be able to recommend a self-help course or may refer you for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

antidepressants - these may be recommended if your depression is more severe or other treatments have not helped; your doctor can prescribe a medicine that's safe to take while breastfeeding

Local and national organisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS), can also be useful sources of help and advice.

Causes of postnatal depression

The cause of postnatal depression is not completely clear.

There are a number of things that may make you more likely to have postnatal depression. These include:

a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life

a history of mental health problems during pregnancy

having no close family or friends to support you

a difficult relationship with your partner

recent stressful life events, such as a bereavement

physical or psychological trauma, such as domestic violence

Even if you do not have any of these, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression.

It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a baby can be stressful and exhausting.

Preventing postnatal depression

There are things you can do during pregnancy to help you keep well, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having someone you can talk to and turn to for support.

Going to antenatal classes and making friends with other pregnant women or new parents can also be helpful.

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, talk to a GP or your mental health team if:

you have a history of depression or mental health problems

someone in your family has had mental health problems after childbirth (for example, your mother or sister)

This is so they can offer you appropriate treatment.

You can also talk to a midwife, who can support you or refer you to specialist mental health services if needed. If you have had a mental health problem while pregnant, your doctor should arrange for you to be seen regularly in the first few weeks after birth.

The mental health team, maternity team and GP will work closely with you during your pregnancy and after you have given birth.

Myths about postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding it.

These include:

postnatal depression is less severe than other types of depression - in fact, it's as serious as other types of depression

postnatal depression is entirely caused by hormonal changes - it's actually caused by many different factors

postnatal depression will soon pass - unlike the "baby blues", postnatal depression can persist for months if left untreated and in a minority of cases it can become a long-term problem

postnatal depression only affects women - research has actually found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby

These factors are equally true of antenatal depression.

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Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It's a common problem. Depression in pregnancy (antenatal depression) is also common.

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Problems

Many children and young people contact us who are going through a really difficult time but feel unable to talk to their parents about how they are feeling and what is happening for them. They may be, for example, being bullied, struggling with an eating disorder, self harming, and/or generally feeling depressed.

The reasons they give for not talking to their parents include:

They won't understand

They will think its my fault

They will be angry

They're too busy

They will be upset

I don't want to worry them

If you are a child or young person who is going through a bad time at the moment it is sad that you are going through it on your own. Try for a moment and put yourself in your parents shoes - try to imagine yourself in the future as a parent - if you had a child who was unhappy would you not want them to tell you so you can give them some support, help, extra care, hugs, affection etc?

Don't automatically think that your parents are going to blame you or be angry with you. They may be angry at the situation but that is different to being angry with you. They may be shocked at what you tell them but once they have got over the shock they will probably want to help and give you some support.

If your parents know you are very unhappy or there is something troubling you or you have got yourself into some kind of trouble - yes they may be upset and worried initially but I think they would be more upset and worried if they knew that you are keeping your unhappiness from them.

If you want to talk to your parents about something worrying you or how you are feeling try and choose a quiet time - not when they are in the middle of making the tea or getting ready for work - but a time when you know they are going to be around to talk to - or even suggest going for a walk together and talk to them then. If you find it difficult explaining what is happening or how you feel try writing a letter to leave for them so they can take in what you are saying and then sit down together and talk.

Parents were young themselves and may be more understanding than you think about situations - it may well have been that your parents may have found themselves in similar situations when they were your age or may have had friends with similar problems. Sometimes dealing with stuff on your own can make you feel more alone and isolated which will just end up making you more depressed. Just to talk about worries and problems can be like a weight lifted from you. Your parents may not be able to solve your problems for you but they may have advice or suggest different ways of coping which you may not have thought of and it is another means of support. Some children and young people who feel down and very depressed try and act like everything is ok and put on a happy face - this in itself can be an enormous strain - constantly putting on an act. If you share your problems with others at least you don't have to pretend to be happy and/or coping.

Everyone finds it difficult to cope sometimes and most people feel down and depressed about things too at some time or other but if you allow yourself to get more and more depressed it will be harder for you to pull yourself out of it.

Remember that your parents are responsible for your protection and safety. If you feel you are being given a hard time, your parents are too strict, always on your back etc. try and show your parents you can be responsible and trustworthy and are willing to compromise and that you realise you cannot always have things your own way

If you feel they are being unfair about something then sit down and try and talk about it in a mature way - shouting, yelling, tantrums, slamming doors etc. isn't the way to get what you want. If you feel something is unfair then maybe come up with a few suggestions of how things could change and negotiate with your parents. They may have some rules which they won't compromise on but if they see you are acting in a responsible way they are more likely to trust you.

e.g. if you have to be in by 9.30pm then stick to that time and don't keep coming in later as that will only annoy your parents. If you stick to that time regularly then maybe after a period of time you can sit down with your parents and say that you have been sticking to the agreed time and wondered whether there was any possibility of negotiating a slightly later time with them. If you are reasonable you should find your parents will be reasonable too.

Remember also parents worry about your safety and if you are later than you said it may not be a big deal to you if you come back half an hour late but your parents may be beside themselves with worry so always ring or text if you are going to be late.

Many children and young people spend a lot of time emailing and surfing the web - that is fine but remember about your own safety. Never give your personal details out and never arrange to meet anyone without talking to your parents about it first. You may think you are meeting another young person who could in fact be an older person who is a paedophile and would harm you. Keep yourself safe at all times.

If you are going through a difficult time now please think about sharing it with your parents - they may be able to help you to get some support which may make you think differently about things. If you really can't talk to your parents then there are also young peoples counselling services and helplines where someone can talk to you and that may help too or talk to a teacher/college lecturer, youth leader, school/college counsellor etc. (see section on Children's & Young People's Helplines).