Childcare support is one of those systems where families can miss money simply because the rules are spread across several schemes.

For working parents in Peterborough, two of the main schemes are Free Childcare for Working Parents and Tax-Free Childcare.

GOV.UK says eligible working parents in England may receive 30 hours of funded childcare a week for children aged 9 months to 4 years, using approved childcare.

You need to apply and, if approved, you receive an 11-digit eligibility code to give to the childcare provider.

There are deadlines tied to the term your child becomes eligible, so leaving the application until after the deadline can delay when the funded hours start.

Tax-Free Childcare works differently.

You pay money into an online childcare account and the government adds £2 for every £8 you contribute.

The top-up is normally capped at £500 every three months for each child, which is up to £2,000 a year. The limit is higher for a disabled child.

Eligibility depends on factors including work status, income and the child’s age.

GOV.UK says a parent or partner with expected adjusted net income above £100,000 for the current tax year cannot claim Tax-Free Childcare.

There are also interactions with other support.

For example, you cannot receive Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as Universal Credit childcare support or childcare vouchers.

So the practical Peterborough family check is:

1. Check eligibility for the 30 funded hours.
2. Check Tax-Free Childcare at the same time.
3. Confirm your nursery, childminder or other provider is registered for the relevant scheme.
4. Note the application deadline for the term you need.
5. Reconfirm your details when required so support does not stop unexpectedly.

This is not just for nursery bills either. Tax-Free Childcare can be used with approved childcare providers and may help with some wraparound or holiday childcare where the provider is registered.

The most useful thing is to check before assuming you earn too much, your child is too young or the support only applies to one type of nursery.

A five-minute eligibility check can be worth far more than another round of trying to shave £10 off the weekly food shop.

If you have any questions or advice on claiming child care comment below