How many hours of free childcare can you get in the UK and when to apply?

With people now focusing on what’s next after coronavirus lockdown restrictions begin to ease, life might start resembling something like ‘normal’ once again for many families.

When schools reopen on 1 June and people start to go back to work, parents will likely be thinking about sending their children back into childcare.

Here’s what you need to know about which children are eligible for free childcare and the best time to apply.

How to apply for free childcare

All children aged 3 to 4 in England can get 570 free hours of childcare per year.

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This is usually split into 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year and can be used as either free early education or childcare.

The free hours:

• must be with an approved childcare provider
• stop when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later)

You’re eligible to use the free hours in the first term after your child has turned three years old.

To apply, contact your local council online.  

Who can apply for 30 hours of free childcare?

Every child is eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week, but some can get more.

You can get 30 hours of free childcare for a child if they are 3 to 4 years old and you, their parent or guardian, meet certain requirements.

Your eligibility depends on:

• if you are working
• how much you earn – you must meet the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average over the 3 months from your application
• your child’s circumstances – they must live with you
• your nationality – You will not be eligible if you’re from outside the European economic area (EEA).

When can I apply for 30 hours of free childcare?

You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.

When your child receives the free 30 hours depends on when they turn three.

If they turn three:

• Between 1 September and 31 December, they get the 30 hours from 1 January
• Between 1 January and 31 March, they get the 30 hours from 1 April
• Between 1 April to 31 August, they get the hours from 1 September

You will need to confirm your eligibility every 3 months.

If you apply more than 3 months before the term starts, you’ll have to reconfirm your eligibility in your account in order to keep your code valid.

To apply, you will need your national insurance number and Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and follow the steps online through gov.uk.

Free childcare for 2 year olds

Your two-year-old can get free childcare if you live in England and get any of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax
• tax credits, and your household income is £16,190 a year or less before tax

Other factors that could get you free childcare for a two-year-old include if they have special education needs or receive a disability living allowance.

You can check with your local council online if you’re unsure whether you are eligible, and when to apply.

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