Your eligibility depends on:
- whether you’re working (employed, self-employed, or a director)
- your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
- your child’s age
- your immigration status
You, and any partner, must each expect to earn:
In a two-parent household:
- both parents must meet the requirements relating to employment and earnings.
- only one parent needs to meet the residence requirement.
You may be eligible if you, or your partner, are on:
- maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
You can still get 30 hours free/funded childcare at the same time as claiming:
- Universal Credit,
- tax credits,
- childcare vouchers
- Tax-Free Childcare
You may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get:
- Incapacity Benefit,
- Severe Disablement Allowance,
- Carer’s Allowance
- Contribution based Employment and Support Allowance
If you foster your child, speak to your social worker and the early years funding team (020 8583 6421)
When can I access 15 hours?
Children become eligible from the term after turning 3 years old and a parent has successfully applied and received a code, whichever is later.
Funding can start:
- From 1 April - for applications made between 1 January - 31 March
- From 1 September - for applications made between 1 April - 31 August
- From 1 January - for applications made between 1 September - 31 December