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Funded childcare for 2 year olds if you claim certain benefits

When will my child be eligible

Your child can get funded childcare from the term after they turn 2 years old. You need to apply and get a code. This funding covers 38 weeks a year (school term time). If you use less than 15 hours per week, you might get funding for more weeks.

If you are getting any of the following...

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
  • Universal Credit and not working
  • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
You will need to create an account and have your National Insurance number. See the step by step guide to create your account. If you not able to apply online, call 020 8583 6421
If you and your partner (if you have one) are working, you may also be eligible for an additional 15 hours under the working parent entitlement.

Other eligibility

If any of the below apply to you, call 020 8583 6421 or email 2y@hounslow.gov.uk
Your child has a special educational need or a disability and has:
Your child is adopted or in foster care
  • is looked after by the local authority
  • left care under a special guardianship order
  • has a child arrangement order
  • has an adoption order
Non- UK citizen
If your immigration status says you have no recourse to public funds and your household income after tax is less than:
  • £34,500 for families with one child
  • £38,600 for families with two or more children
You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.
Asylum Seeker
You can get funded childcare if:
  • you are waiting for a decision for your asylum claim
  • you have ‘leave to remain’ (temporary immigration status) with the NRPF condition on grounds of family or private life
  • you have the right to live in the UK because you are the main carer of a British citizen known as a Zambrano Carer.
If any of the above apply to you, call 020 8583 6421 or email 2y@hounslow.gov.uk

What isn't covered by the funding

The funding does not cover the costs of
  • meals or snacks
  • other consumables (like nappies or sun cream),
  • extra hours or activities (like trips).
Providers may charge for these extras. Talk to your childcare provider if you cannot pay these costs. Charges should not be a condition of accessing a funded place.

Back to help to pay for childcare

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