Cardiff

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Childcare and Family Support

Support systems for childcare, parental leave, and benefits available to families with children.

Sections

1. Childcare and Family Support Benefits in Cardiff

a. Child Benefit

  • What is it? A tax-free payment provided to families to help with the cost of raising children.
  • Eligibility:
    • Available to anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they are in approved education or training).
    • There is no income limit, but if one parent earns over ยฃ50,000, they may need to pay a High-Income Child Benefit Charge.
  • Payment Amount (2023):
    • ยฃ24.00 per week for the eldest or only child.
    • ยฃ15.90 per week for each additional child.
  • How to Apply:
    • Complete the Child Benefit claim form (CH2) available on the UK Government website.
    • Submit the form by post to the Child Benefit Office.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Payments are usually made every four weeks.
    • Families in Cardiff can access support from local Citizens Advice offices for help with the application.

b. Tax-Free Childcare

  • What is it? A government scheme where families can receive up to ยฃ2,000 per year per child (or ยฃ4,000 for disabled children) to help with childcare costs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Both parents (or a single parent) must be working and earning at least ยฃ152 per week but less than ยฃ100,000 annually.
    • Children must be under 12 (or under 17 if disabled).
  • How it Works:
    • For every ยฃ8 you pay into an online childcare account, the government adds ยฃ2.
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply online through the UK Governmentโ€™s childcare service website.
    • Youโ€™ll need your National Insurance number and details of your income.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Many registered childcare providers in Cardiff accept Tax-Free Childcare payments, including nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs.

c. 30 Hours Free Childcare

  • What is it? Working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds can access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).
  • Eligibility:
    • Both parents (or a single parent) must be working and earning at least ยฃ152 per week but less than ยฃ100,000 annually.
    • The child must be 3 or 4 years old.
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply online through the UK Governmentโ€™s childcare service website.
    • Youโ€™ll need to reconfirm your eligibility every three months.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Cardiff Council provides a list of approved childcare providers, including nurseries and playgroups, that accept the 30-hour scheme.

d. Universal Credit (Childcare Element)

  • What is it? A benefit for low-income families to help with living costs, including up to 85% of childcare costs.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be eligible for Universal Credit.
    • Both parents (or a single parent) must be working.
    • Childcare must be provided by a registered provider.
  • Payment Amount:
    • Up to ยฃ646 per month for one child.
    • Up to ยฃ1,108 per month for two or more children.
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply for Universal Credit online and provide details of your childcare costs.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Cardiff Jobcentre Plus offices can provide guidance on applying for Universal Credit and the childcare element.

e. Childcare Offer for Wales

  • What is it? A Welsh Government scheme providing up to 30 hours of funded childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds.
  • Eligibility:
    • Parents must live in Wales and meet the income criteria (both parents working and earning at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours per week).
  • How to Apply:
    • Applications are managed by Cardiff Council. Visit their website or contact the Family Information Service (FIS) for assistance.
  • Local Considerations:
    • This benefit is specific to Wales and complements the UK-wide 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme.

f. Sure Start Maternity Grant

  • What is it? A one-off payment of ยฃ500 to help with the costs of a new baby.
  • Eligibility:
    • Available to low-income families receiving certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support).
    • Must be the first child or the first child in a new family (e.g., if you have stepchildren).
  • How to Apply:
    • Complete the SF100 (Sure Start) form available on the UK Government website.
    • Submit the form by post to the address provided.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Cardiffโ€™s Family Information Service can provide support with the application process.

2. Additional Local Resources and Support in Cardiff

a. Cardiff Family Information Service (FIS)

  • What is it? A free service providing information and advice on childcare, family support, and benefits.
  • Contact Details:
  • Services Offered:
    • Help finding registered childcare providers.
    • Guidance on applying for benefits and funding.

b. Flying Start Programme

  • What is it? A Welsh Government initiative offering free childcare, parenting support, and health services to families with children under 4 in disadvantaged areas.
  • Eligibility:
    • Based on postcode; available in specific areas of Cardiff.
  • How to Access:
    • Contact Cardiff Council or your local health visitor to check eligibility.

c. Citizens Advice Cardiff

  • What is it? A charity offering free, confidential advice on benefits, housing, and family support.
  • Contact Details:

d. Local Childcare Providers

  • Cardiff has a wide range of childcare options, including nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs. The Family Information Service can provide a directory of registered providers.

3. Costs and Financial Considerations

  • Childcare Costs in Cardiff:
    • Full-time nursery care: ยฃ200โ€“ยฃ300 per week.
    • Childminders: ยฃ4โ€“ยฃ6 per hour.
    • After-school clubs: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ15 per session.
  • Reducing Costs:
    • Use benefits like Tax-Free Childcare or the Childcare Offer for Wales.
    • Check eligibility for free childcare hours.

4. Tips for Families in Cardiff

  • Plan Ahead: Childcare places can be competitive, so apply early.
  • Combine Benefits: Many families can use multiple schemes (e.g., Tax-Free Childcare and 30 Hours Free Childcare).
  • Seek Advice: Use local resources like Cardiff FIS or Citizens Advice for tailored support.

By leveraging these benefits and resources, families in Cardiff can access financial support and high-quality childcare to meet their needs. Let me know if you need further assistance!