MONEYSAVVYUK · FREE HOUSEHOLD TOOLS
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Last checked: 26 October 2026. Tax year 2026/27 where applicable.
Would different working hours leave your household with more money after childcare? Compare two arrangements using your take-home pay, nursery invoices and the costs of going to work. You can compare staying at home, part-time work or full-time work.
How I would use this result
Start with a recent payslip, bill, statement or written quote. Replace the example amounts, change one assumption at a time, then check whether the difference would affect your household budget. Keep the assumptions beside the result so you can revisit the comparison when circumstances change.
How the calculation works
For each option, add monthly take-home pay and entered support, then subtract childcare after modelled Tax-Free Childcare, travel and other working costs. A steady monthly invoice is modelled as four identical three-month entitlement periods. Support is capped separately for each child. The upper-income check uses each adult’s ANI; exactly £100,000 does not fail that check.
Example: check the calculation
For one child with a steady eligible bill of £1,000 monthly and confirmed eligibility, standard Tax-Free Childcare reaches its £2,000 annual cap. The household pays £10,000 yearly: £833.33 a month on average.
Before relying on the result
This is a cash-flow comparison, not a benefits entitlement decision. Enter nursery invoices AFTER funded hours and exclude extras that are not eligible for Tax-Free Childcare. Benefits, Child Benefit tax charges, funded-hour eligibility and changes to your partner’s income are not calculated automatically. For changing invoices use a separate quarterly calculation. Never claim Tax-Free Childcare alongside incompatible support. Career progression and employer pension contributions are not assigned a cash value.
Your questions answered
Does this decide whether I should return to work?
It compares the cash figures you enter. It cannot value career progression, wellbeing, future pay or time with your family.
Does the tool work outside England?
Tax-Free Childcare is UK-wide, but funded childcare differs by nation. Use your actual invoice after the support available where you live.
Can I enter two children?
Yes. Each child has a separate bill and support cap. Run a separate comparison if you need more than two.
Sources and checking
Rules checked on 26 October 2026. Tax parameters, where applicable, are for 2026/27. User-entered prices and growth assumptions are not verified market rates.
Related MoneySavvyUK tools
For a practical next step, visit my free workbook and money tools, or browse my household planners. Calculators remain free and do not require an email address.
Created by Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan, the PhD scientist and UK mum behind MoneySavvyUK. I am not a financial adviser. These are planning estimates and general information.
Created by Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan at MoneySavvyUK. General information and planning estimates, not personal financial advice. Report a problem with this calculator.