You apply as part of your student finance application. A nanny no longer counts from 1 August 2026.
Quick facts
- One child
- Up to £199.62 a week
- Two or more
- Up to £342.24 a week
- Share of costs
- 85%
- Repaid?
- No
- Benefits
- Not affected
How much you get
The maximum you can get is:
- £199.62 a week for one child
- £342.24 a week for 2 or more children
You’ll have to pay any remaining childcare costs.
If your childcare for one child costs £100 a week, you’ll get £85 - this is 85% of your costs. You’ll have to pay the remaining £15 a week.
Who can get it — the full rules
To qualify for a Childcare Grant, all the following must apply:
- you’re a full-time student (studying 120 credits or more in a year on a single course)
- your child must be under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs
- you get student finance based on your household income (or are eligible for this)
- you’re not getting a Postgraduate Loan
- you’re a permanent resident in England
- your household income is less than £20,107.23 - if you’re applying for 1 child
- your household income is less than £28,914.47 - if you’re applying for 2 or more children
- neither you or your partner are claiming Tax-Free Childcare, the childcare element of working Tax Credit or Universal Credit
- your childcare provider is on the Ofsted Early Years Register or General Childcare Register - check with your provider
Nannies
From 1 August 2026, you cannot get a Childcare Grant if your childcare is provided by a nanny (someone you employ to look after your child in your home).
How it is paid
Your childcare provider will send requests for payment to the CCGPS, which you can approve through your account.
Income-related, unemployment and housing benefits are not affected by a Childcare Grant.
A Childcare Grant is different to 15 or 30 hours free childcare. You cannot use it to pay for those hours. See free childcare in England.
Common questions
How much is the student Childcare Grant?
85% of your costs, up to £199.62 a week for one child or £342.24 for two or more.
Do I pay it back?
No. The grant does not have to be paid back.
Can I get it with Universal Credit childcare?
No. Neither you nor your partner can be claiming Tax-Free Childcare or the childcare element of Universal Credit.
Can I use it for a nanny?
Not from 1 August 2026.