If you would get 'free' (Government funded) childcare hours if based in England, Defence’s UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) childcare scheme will now help cover the difference in cost where you live.
It’s important to understand that UKNA does not give you a childcare space. It pays back money to eligible families who have already paid for early years childcare.
Who is eligible for UKNA
You may register for UKNA, if all the following apply:
- You are a Regular or Full-Time Reserve (Full Commitment) member of the Service
- Your family lives in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
- Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) earn at least the same as 16 hours a week at the UK National Minimum or Living Wage
- Neither parent (or the sole parent) earns more than £100,000 adjusted net income a year
- Your child is recorded and verified on JPA
- Your child is aged 9 months to 3 years old, in Scotland and Wales
- Your child is aged 9 months to 4 years old, in Northern Ireland
- You have an active Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account for your child: ‘active’ means you confirm your details every three months and get the top-up from HMRC when you add money
- Your childcare provider accepts TFC payments – all UKNA claims must first be paid through your child's TFC account
- Your child lives with you at least half the time, unless you're separated for Service reasons
How to register and claim
