Up to 30 hours of free childcare a week for eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years in England.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Free Childcare for Working Parents (England) offers
- Up to 30 hours: Covers up to 30 hours a week during term time.
- Starts from 9 months: Available from when your child is 9 months old.
- Use with Tax-Free Childcare: Can be combined with Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit childcare.
- Some 2-year-olds: Some 2-year-olds can get 15 hours if you get certain benefits.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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 to claim | Apply online and reconfirm every 3 months |
| Where | England only |
Key points
Up to 30 hours: Covers up to 30 hours a week during term time.
Starts from 9 months: Available from when your child is 9 months old.
Use with Tax-Free Childcare: Can be combined with Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit childcare.
About Department for Education
Free Childcare for Working Parents (England) is run by Department for Education. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Department for Education.