Monthly childcare composition
Scenario comparison
Scenario table
| Scenario | Monthly net | Annual net | Support | Monthly savings |
|---|
How this childcare calculator works
This calculator is designed to show the real childcare cost parents pay after support, not just the provider price.
The Netherlands uses capped reimbursement logic, the UK uses scheme-based support, and Germany uses local fee plus tax relief style logic.
Core formulas
Monthly gross childcare = provider rate × childcare usage
Monthly support = country-specific subsidy logic
Monthly parent cost = monthly gross childcare − monthly support + gap above cap
Annual net childcare = (monthly parent cost × months used) − annual support offsets
Buffer = annual net childcare × buffer %
Total annual childcare cost = annual net childcare + buffer
Monthly savings needed = (total annual childcare cost − current savings) ÷ months to prepare
Monthly support = country-specific subsidy logic
Monthly parent cost = monthly gross childcare − monthly support + gap above cap
Annual net childcare = (monthly parent cost × months used) − annual support offsets
Buffer = annual net childcare × buffer %
Total annual childcare cost = annual net childcare + buffer
Monthly savings needed = (total annual childcare cost − current savings) ÷ months to prepare
This version is calibrated for NL, UK and Germany only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Dutch hourly cap separate from the real rate?+
Because Dutch support applies only up to the reimbursable hourly cap. If your provider charges more, parents pay the difference fully.
Why does the UK calculator ask for scheme type?+
Because funded hours, Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare produce very different net costs.
Why is Germany based on a local fee?+
Because Germany does not have one national childcare fee. Local provider and municipality rules matter.
Should child benefit be included?+
For household planning, yes. It may not be childcare-specific support, but it affects how much of the childcare bill the household ultimately absorbs.