Parents in England can now apply for 15 hours of free childcare per week for children as young as nine months, starting in September 2024. This initiative aims to support working parents by reducing childcare costs and enabling more parents to return to work or increase their working hours.
Available free childcare
The free childcare support in England is being introduced in phases, with some free hours already in place:
- From April 2024: 15 hours per week for two-year-olds
- From September 2024: 15 hours per week for nine-month-olds
- Already in place: 30 hours per week for three and four-year-olds
- From September 2025: 30 hours per week for all children under five
The amount of free childcare available depends on the child’s age and the parents’ employment status.
Eligibility based on child’s age and parental status
Working parents:
- 15 hours for two-year-olds (from April 2024)
- 15 hours for nine-month-olds (from September 2024)
- 30 hours for three and four-year-olds (already in place)
- 30 hours for all children under five (from September 2025)
To qualify, parents must typically earn between £9,518 and £100,000 annually.
Parents on benefits
- 15 hours for two-year-olds
- 15 hours for three and four-year-olds
Non-working parents may still qualify for 30 hours if their partner works or they receive benefits. Additionally, parents starting or restarting work within the next 31 days are eligible to apply.
Unsure if you’re eligible? You can use the childcare calculator on GOV.UK for help.
Application process
Parents should apply before the start of the term when their child becomes eligible. Applications for children aged nine months to 23 months are now open for the September term. It’s advised to submit your application as soon as possible and eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months.
Parents of eligible two, three, and four-year-olds for the September term can also apply. Once approved, parents will receive a code to give to their registered childcare provider.
What you need to apply
To apply, you’ll need:
- National Insurance number
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if self-employed
- UK birth certificate reference number for the child (if available)
- Date you started or are due to start work (approximate if more than three months ago)
The application process typically takes around 20 minutes, and you may find out if you’re eligible immediately, though it can take up to seven days. Once approved, you’ll receive a code for free childcare that you’ll need to give to the childcare provider.
Usage and coverage
Free childcare hours are typically used over 38 weeks annually (school term time). Some providers may offer to spread the hours over 52 weeks, reducing the weekly hours accordingly.
Government and provider costs
The Government has increased the hourly rates it pays to childcare providers, but these rates may not cover the full costs. This can lead to additional charges for extras such as meals, nappies, and sun cream. These additional costs are voluntary, and parents can choose to provide their own supplies to keep childcare free.
Regional variations
Different schemes are in place across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with all three and four-year-olds entitled to some free childcare in these regions. For specific details, parents should refer to their local Government’s guidelines.
Additional financial support
Parents can also benefit from the UK-wide tax-free childcare scheme, where the Government adds £2 for every £8 paid into an online childcare account, up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for children with disabilities). The Care to Learn scheme offers further support for student parents under 20 at the start of their course.
Additionally, if you’re facing financial difficulties, explore our debt solutions for guidance and support.
