15 and 30 hours funded childcare

There are 4 offers. The right one for you depends on your or your child’s situation.

15 hours for 2yr olds whose families who are receiving some additional government support

You receive Income related benefits such as:
  • Universal Credit and not working
  • Universal Credit and earning less than £15,400 a year or less after tax
  • Child tax credit, or working tax credit (or both) and your incomes is £16,190 a year or less
Your child:
  • has a special educational need or a disability
  • is adopted or in foster care
You are a non- UK citizen
  • who cannot claim benefits and your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’

15 hours for children aged 9 months to 3 years (eligible working families) (Opens in New Window)

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:
  • National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.
  • or earn less than £100,000 a year each.
You could be eligible if one of you are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, unable to work because of a disability or caring responsibilities.

15 hours for all 3 to 4 year olds

All 3 or 4 year olds can get 15 hours free/funded childcare and early education. This is regardless of the parents’ immigration status.
They can get the free/funded hours from the term after their third birthday at an Ofsted registered childcare provider.

30 Hours for children age 3 to 4 years (eligible working families)

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:
  • National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.
  • or earn less than £100,000 a year each.
You could be eligible if one of you are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, unable to work because of a disability or caring responsibilities.