HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging working families to claim a benefit that could give them up to £4,000 per year before October 27.

Tax-Free Childcare is a benefit that gives working parents earning less than £100,000 per year help towards childcare costs. Eligible households can get up to £500 every three months for each child under the age of 11 - which amounts to £2,000 per year - or £1,000 every three months - amounting to £4,000 per year - if a child is disabled. The money can be used to pay for approved childcare, including childminders, nurseries, nannies, after school clubs and play schemes. For parents with disabled children, the cash can go towards paying for extra hours of childcare as well as to help pay childcare providers so they can get specialist equipment that may be required, like mobility aids.

Latest figures from HMRC show more than 570,000 families received an average of £100 towards their monthly childcare bills in June this year and the government is now urging those yet to sign up to do so before October 27 to take advantage of savings on their half-term childcare.

October half term can differ across the UK depending on where you live, but generally the break falls between Monday, October 27 and Friday, October 31.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, said: "Hallowe'en doesn't need to be a tricky time for childcare bills. Whether you're working and have a child in a holiday club or taking time off and planning term-time care, paying your bills with Tax-Free Childcare can help. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today."

Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.

Parents need to be at least 16 years old, be in qualifying paid work and not have an expected 'adjusted net income' over £100,000 to be eligible. HMRC says over the next three months, parents must each expect to earn at least:

• £2,538.68 before tax if you're aged 21 or over (equivalent to £195.36)
• £2,080 before tax if you're aged 18 to 20 (equivalent to £160 per week)
• £1,570.40 before tax if you're under 18 or an apprentice (equivalent to £120.80)

This is the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average over a period of three months. Those who are self-employed and started their business less than 12 months ago can earn less and still be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare.

You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare if you get Universal Credit, a childcare bursary or grant, or childcare vouchers.

HMRC adds: "Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:

• have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
• the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
• each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
• do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers

"Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare. Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility."