You asked about Free Childcare for Working Parents (England): here is how it works, how much you could get and how it is paid.
See eligibility & how to claim →
Below you’ll find how much you could get, how it is paid and how the scheme works.
Amounts can change each tax year, so always check the latest rates on the official page.
Support you may be entitled to
England onlyUp to 30 hoursApply online
💷 How much & how it is paid
- Who can get it: Working parents in England with children aged 9 months to 4 years, earning at least the minimum income and under £100,000 adjusted net income each
- How much: Up to 30 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks a year (or fewer hours spread across more weeks)
- All 3 and 4-year-olds: All children aged 3 to 4 in England can get 15 hours a week regardless of income
- How it's paid: Funding goes directly to your childcare provider via a code
⚙️ How it works
Eligibility is decided by the responsible body based on your circumstances. Once your claim is approved, payments are made according to the scheme’s rules. Report any change in your circumstances so your payments stay correct.
🧮 Check what you could get
Use an independent benefits calculator linked from GOV.UK to estimate what you may be entitled to before you claim.
Places depend on provider availability and eligibility is checked by HMRC.