
A new Ministry of Defence scheme to transform
support for Armed Forces families with young children will be rolled out across
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary
has announced on 20 March 2026.
This major boost could save
eligible Armed Forces families up to £6,000 per year for each child, depending
on where you are in the UK.
Defence is committed to supporting
Armed Forces families, wherever you live and work. This scheme will help with
the cost of living and navigating life as a family in the Armed
Forces, recognising the demands placed on Service personnel and the
critical roles families play in support of them.
Hundreds of families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected
to be eligible for the scheme.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
"Our Armed Forces families are at the heart of our
nation's security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the
Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military,
and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them.
“This transformative offer will ensure more military
families get the childcare support they need, no matter where they are posted.
"We are making good on our promise to Armed
Forces families - supporting them as they support our dedicated military
personnel defending the UK and our allies. Our message to the Armed Forces
community is clear: this government is on your side."