Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

Tax-Free Childcare explained

How the government top-up works, who can claim and how it compares with other help.

The short answer

Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that tops up what you pay for childcare. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 a year per child (£4,000 if the child is disabled). It works out as 20% off your childcare costs.

How it works

You open a free online childcare account and pay money in.
The government adds its top-up, up to £500 every three months for each child (£1,000 for a disabled child).
You pay your childcare provider from the account. The provider must be signed up to the scheme.
You sign in every three months to confirm your details are still correct.

Who can get it

Your child is 11 or younger, or 16 or younger if they are disabled.
You are usually working, or about to return to work. There are minimum and maximum income rules, so check the GOV.UK eligibility page for the current figures.
You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as Universal Credit childcare costs or childcare vouchers, so work out which is better for you.

Worth comparing

If you are on Universal Credit, the childcare costs element may pay back a larger share of your costs than the 20% top-up. See Universal Credit explained.
Free childcare hours for younger children are separate, and you can often use them alongside Tax-Free Childcare. The offer differs by age and by nation.
Check how childcare costs fit into your budget with the budget helper.

How to apply

Apply on GOV.UK. You will need your National Insurance number, details of your child and your income. Apply early, because you need to reconfirm every three months or the account can close.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax, benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.