How to Pay
Invoices
Invoices are issued in arrears and are made up to the last Friday of each month.
This means that most invoices cover a four week period, but some cover five weeks.
There is a wide range of information on Fife Council's Website about how to pay your invoice, including by Direct Debit, Online, Telephone, Paypoint and Post Office etc.
Financial Support to Pay for your Childcare
Tax Free Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme designed to help working parents with the cost of childcare. Here are the key points:
Financial Support:
For every £8 you pay into your online childcare account, the government adds £2. You can receive up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each child.
If your child is disabled, this increases to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year)
Eligibility:
You must be working, either employed or self-employed, and meet certain income criteria. Your child must be under 12 years old, or under 17 if they have a disability.
Approved Childcare Providers:
You can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for approved childcare, such as childminders, nurseries, nannies, after-school clubs, and play schemes
Account Management:
You need to set up an online childcare account through the Government’s Childcare Portal.
Payments to your childcare provider are made directly from this account.
Reconfirmation:
Every three months, you must reconfirm your eligibility to continue receiving the government top-up.
Tax Free Childcare Reference Number:
When you pay via Tax Free Childcare, you will receive a reference number which relates to your account. Please email us this reference number, so that we can quickly match your payments to your childcare invoice.
Universal Credit - Childcare Element
Families can receive support for childcare costs through Universal Credit in several ways:
Childcare Costs Coverage:
Universal Credit can cover up to 85% of your childcare costs. The maximum amount you can receive is £1,031.88 per month for one child and £1,768.94 per month for two or more children.
Eligibility:
To qualify, you must be in paid work or have an offer of paid work starting before the end of your next monthly assessment period. If you live with a partner, both of you need to be working unless your partner cannot look after your children due to specific circumstances.
Upfront Costs:
If you struggle with upfront childcare costs, you might be able to get help through the Flexible Support Fund. This fund can assist with initial costs that are barriers to starting work, working more hours, or returning to work after parental leave.
Reporting Costs:
You need to pay for childcare first and then report these costs to Universal Credit. Payments are typically reimbursed in the same assessment period that you report them
To find out more information, visit the UK Government Website.
Childcare Vouchers
The Childcare Voucher Scheme is a UK government initiative that allows working parents to save money on childcare costs by using pre-tax income to pay for registered childcare.
Unfortunately the scheme closed for new applications on 4 October 2018, and was replaced by the Tax Fee Childcare Scheme listed above.
However, if you are already a member of a Childcare Voucher Scheme, you can continue to use your account. If you need any information from us to enable you to register please email us.