Childcare can be expensive, and going back to work with the addition of childcare costs can sometimes make you hesitate before you take that step. There are, however, plenty of childcare options available to you, such as nurseries, childminders, and nannies.
Once you’ve chosen which childcare option is the best fit for your family, it’s worth finding out what the government can offer you in terms of support. To find out more about the schemes available check out our guide on Childcare Choices.
In this article, we’ll answer your questions on the 15-hour free childcare and 30-hour free childcare schemes and, more specifically, how to find out whether your child is eligible for these schemes, and how to apply for them.
What is the 15-Hour Free Childcare Scheme for Two to Four Year Olds?
15-hour free childcare is a scheme available to all two to four-year-olds in England, beginning on the term after your child’s second birthday and ending when your child starts primary school, which is the compulsory school age.
For those with children between the ages of two and four, you could receive a total of 570 free hours of childcare per year that you can use with one or more Ofsted registered childcare providers.
The childcare hours stretch across 38 weeks of the year. However, you may be able to negotiate using the hours over 52 weeks with your childcare provider, by using fewer hours per week. The free childcare does not go towards the cost of nappies, trips or food.
To be eligible for the 15-hour free childcare scheme, your child must be cared for by one of the following:
- A Registered Nursery or Club.
- OFSTED Registered Childminder.
- Registered School.
- Registered playgroups/ after-school clubs.
- Sure Start Children’s Centres.
The list above covers government-approved childcare services. If you’re unsure if your childcare is an approved service, you can check directly on the UK Government’s website.
You can access 15 hours of free childcare after your child’s second birthday. Get in touch with your local council, or use this handy postcode tool to show where you can use your free childcare.
* From September 2024, 15 hours of free childcare support will be available to eligible working parents with a child aged from 9-months-old.
What is the 30-Hour Free Childcare Scheme for Three to Four Year Olds?
In 2017, the UK Government doubled its offer of 15 hours of free childcare between the ages of three to four, to 30 free hours for working families. This means that not all children are eligible for the additional 15 hours of free childcare.
The same criteria apply for the 30 hours. However, the following additional criteria need to be met for your child to receive the full 30 hours of free childcare:
- Your child must be between the ages of three and four.
- You, and your partner must work at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage.
- Each parent must earn less than £100,000 a year.
Keep in mind that the above applies to both parents (unless separated). This means that if one parent doesn’t earn at least £139 per week, your child won’t qualify for the additional 15 hours of free childcare. It is also worth noting that not all childcare providers offer the 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme, it is therefore recommended to check with your childcare provider before using their services.
To find out more about the 30-hour free childcare scheme, you can also contact your local council for more information about childcare providers in your local area.
The UK Government also hosts a free eligibility calculator on their website to check if you can claim the 30 hours of free childcare.
*From September 2025, childcare support will reach 30 hours for eligible working parents with children aged from 9-months-old up to school age.
What Information do I Need to Apply for 15 & 30 hours of Free Childcare?
We recommend that you have the following information ready before using the calculator, as you will be asked specific questions:
- How much does your family receive in benefits?
- What are your, and your partner’s, working hours?
- What is your salary? This is also necessary if you are self-employed.
- If you have a partner, they’ll also need to provide the necessary information.
The above information will provide the government with an insight into how much you earn and will help determine your eligibility for the 15 & 30 hours of free childcare. You should also prepare any information about the length of your maternity/paternity.
To calculate whether you’re eligible for the 15 & 30-hour free childcare scheme, you’ll also be asked to provide information about the child/children you care for. This includes:
- An accurate estimation of what your childcare costs might be – or what they currently are. Child benefits also apply here so you should ensure that you are fully informed about the benefits that are already provided for your child/children.
- Your children’s date of birth.
How do I Apply for 15 & 30 hours of Free Childcare?
If your chosen childcare provider offers the full 15 or 30-hour free childcare scheme and you’ve found out you are eligible by using the online calculator, then you can apply online.
The application will take approximately 20 minutes and we recommend that you have the following information available before starting:
- Your national insurance number.
- Your taxpayer reference.
- Details of any government support you receive.
The application will be reviewed by HMRC (tax office), who will then be in touch with further instructions on how to proceed.
When do I Apply for the 15 & 30 Hour Free Childcare Scheme?
The ideal time to apply for 15 or 30 hours of free childcare is a few months before your child’s 2nd or 3rd birthday. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you’ll receive a 15 or 30-hour free childcare Eligibility Code. You can then give this code to your chosen childcare provider as well as your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth.
What Happens if I am no Longer Eligible for 15 or 30 Hours of Free Childcare?
If you become ineligible for the 15 or 30 hours of free childcare due to unforeseen circumstances such as losing your job, your child’s place will be covered by a ‘grace period’. You should discuss this with your provider as soon as you lose eligibility.
At Yoopies we understand that finding the right childcare for your child, as well as ensuring that you can pay for your childcare costs, can be a difficult and stressful process. We are here to assist you every step of the way and give you an easy way to tell us exactly what you’re looking for from your childcare provider via our advanced filter.
We want to ensure that you’re as informed as you can be on all of the options available. If you still feel unsure then please don’t hesitate to contact our helpful customer service team who will answer any further questions that you may have.