Childcare Grant 2026/27: How UK Students Can Claim Up to £342 a Week

Childcare Grant

Childcare Grant 2026/27: How Full-Time UK Students Can Claim Up to £342 a Week

Verified Student Finance Information

Reviewer: Liam Hughes, Student Finance Advisor

Academic Year: 2026 to 2027

Source: Student Finance England (SFE) Official Guidance

Balancing university studies while raising children is incredibly demanding, both practically and financially. To support student parents, Student Finance England (SFE) provides a dedicated, non-repayable Childcare Grant.

For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the government has published updated maximum weekly limits. Depending on how many children you have in Ofsted-registered childcare, you could be entitled to have up to 85% of your costs covered, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses while you pursue your degree.

1. The 2026/27 Childcare Grant Rates & The "85% Rule"

The Childcare Grant does not cover 100% of your childcare bills. SFE will fund up to 85% of your actual childcare costs, subject to a strict weekly maximum cap. Any remaining balance is your responsibility.

For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the maximum weekly caps are:

• For 1 child: Up to £199.62 a week (or 85% of your costs, whichever is lower)
• For 2 or more children: Up to £342.24 a week (or 85% of your costs, whichever is lower)

SFE Award Estimator

Calculate your estimated weekly Childcare Grant based on the 2026/27 SFE rules.

1. What is your student status in 2026/27?

2. How many children are in registered childcare?

3. What is your estimated total weekly childcare cost?

£

Estimated Weekly Award

Your Actual Weekly Cost: £0.00

85% Rule Calculation: £0.00

SFE Maximum Cap Applied: £0.00

SFE Will Pay You: £0.00

Not Eligible

Message goes here.

2. Strict Eligibility Requirements

The Childcare Grant is not available to everyone. To qualify for the 2026/27 academic year, you must pass the following criteria:

• Course Type: You must be a Full-Time Undergraduate student. Part-time students, postgraduate students (e.g., Master's, PhD), and degree apprenticeship students are entirely excluded from this specific grant.
• Childcare Provider: Your childcare provider must be officially registered with Ofsted (or the equivalent body in Wales/Scotland/NI). You cannot claim this grant to pay a relative or friend to babysit.
• Age of Child: The child must be under 15 years of age (or under 17 if they have special educational needs).

3. How is the Money Paid? (CCGPS)

A common misconception is that the grant is paid directly into your personal bank account. This is no longer the case.

SFE uses the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS). Instead of giving you cash, SFE deposits the approved funds into an online CCGPS account. Your childcare provider will send bills directly to this portal, and you must log in to approve the payments. This ensures the funds are used strictly for their intended purpose.

Disclaimer: The calculations provided above are estimates based on the official Student Finance England (SFE) maximum thresholds for the 2026/27 academic year. Your final award is subject to a full means-tested assessment of your household income. SFE may reduce your grant if your partner earns an income or if you receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit.