Global Major Cities Guide

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 £50,000, they may need to pay a High-Income Child Benefit Charge.
Payment Amount (2023):
- £24.00 per week for the eldest or only child.
- £15.90 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 £2,000 per year per child (or £4,000 for disabled children) to help with childcare costs.
Eligibility:
- Both parents (or a single parent) must be working and earning at least £152 per week but less than £100,000 annually.
- Children must be under 12 (or under 17 if disabled).
How it Works:
- For every £8 you pay into an online childcare account, the government adds £2.
How to Apply:
- Apply online through the UK Government’s childcare service website.
- You’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 £152 per week but less than £100,000 annually.
- The child must be 3 or 4 years old.
How to Apply:
- Apply online through the UK Government’s childcare service website.
- You’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 £646 per month for one child.
- Up to £1,108 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 £500 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:
- Cardiff’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:
- Website: Cardiff FIS
- Phone: 0300 123 7777
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:
- Website: Citizens Advice Cardiff
- Phone: 03444 77 20 20

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: £200–£300 per week.
- Childminders: £4–£6 per hour.
- After-school clubs: £10–£15 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!