30 Hours of Free Childcare: A Parents Guide
Wondering how to apply for 30 hours free childcare? Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, the application process, and how to access your funded hours.
The UK government's 30 hours free childcare scheme offers substantial support for working parents, aiming to ease the financial burden of childcare and facilitate a smoother return to work.
Understanding the nuances of this scheme is crucial to maximise its benefits.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the current provisions, eligibility criteria, application process, and upcoming changes to the scheme.
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Who Currently Gets 30 Hours of Free Childcare?
As of March 2025, the government offers the following childcare support:
Children aged 9 months to 2 years: Eligible working parents can access up to 15 hours of free childcare per week.
Children aged 3 to 4 years: Eligible working parents can access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week.
These hours are typically available during term time, covering 38 weeks per year.
Some childcare providers may offer the option to spread these hours over 52 weeks, resulting in fewer hours per week.
Upcoming Changes to the Scheme
Significant expansions to the childcare scheme are scheduled:
From September 2025: Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months and above will be able to access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week.
This expansion aims to make childcare more accessible for working parents, enabling them to balance employment and family life more effectively.
Who is Eligible for 30 Hours Free Childcare?
The government’s aim with free childcare hours is to support parents in returning to work.
Because of this, certain eligibility criteria must be met:
Employment Status: Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must be working. This includes those who are self-employed or on zero-hours contracts.
Income Thresholds:
Minimum Income: Each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Maximum Income: Neither parent should have an income exceeding £100,000 per year.
Self-employed parents or those on zero-hours contracts must meet the same income thresholds.
It's important to note that eligibility is determined per parent. If one parent's income exceeds £100,000, the household will not be eligible for the free childcare hours.
Temporary Leave: Parents on parental, maternity, paternity, adoption leave, or receiving statutory sick pay are still eligible, provided they meet the income criteria.
How to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare
Applying for the 30 hours free childcare involves several steps:
Check Eligibility: Use the government's online tool to confirm your eligibility.
Set Up a Childcare Account: If eligible, you'll need to create a Government Gateway account. This account will be used to manage your childcare entitlements.
Apply Online: Through your childcare account, complete the application process. You'll need your:
National Insurance Number
Child’s Birth Certificate Reference Number
Details of any government support received
Unique Taxpayer Reference. Number (if self-employed)
Receive Your Code: If your application is successful, you'll receive a unique 11-digit code. Provide this code, along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth, to your chosen childcare provider.
Reconfirm Eligibility: Every three months, you must reconfirm your eligibility to continue receiving the free childcare hours.
When to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare
You can apply from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks. The free hours start from the term after your child's 3rd birthday.
Here’s a simple guide to when you can apply and when your child’s free hours start:
| Your Child’s 3rd Birthday | Free Hours Start | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September – 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | The term before 1 January |
| 1 January – 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | The term before 1 April |
| 1 April – 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | The term before 1 September |
📌 Important: You must apply for a code before the end of the month before the new term starts. For example, if the term starts on 1 September, you must apply by 31 August. Some childcare providers may ask for the code earlier, so check with them to confirm.
Next Steps to Receiving 30 Hours of Funded Childcare
Before applying, it’s essential to check with your chosen childcare provider to ensure they:
Have space available for your child.
Accept government-funded childcare hours.
Once confirmed, complete the application process with plenty of time before your child’s start date.
For more updates on the rollout of 30 hours free childcare eligibility and to ensure you don’t miss any important changes, keep an eye on our blog.
If you have any questions about free nursery hours or need help with how to get 30 hours free childcare, feel free to contact us at My Ohana!