Childcare Check

FREE CHILDCARE IN ENGLAND

How many funded childcare hours can you get?

Enter your child’s age and household earnings conditions for a clear 0, 15 or 30-hour result.

Your funded childcare result

30 hours / week

1,140 funded hours per year, based on 38 weeks

Age band
9 months to under 3
Working-parents 30 hours
Eligible
Reason
The earnings conditions for working-parent hours are met.
Starts
the term after your child turns 9 months old

How to apply

  1. Set up a childcare account
  2. Get your eligibility code
  3. Reconfirm your details every 3 months

Important notes

  • Funded hours are offered for 38 weeks per year.
  • England only — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ
  • Apply: Set up a childcare account; Get your eligibility code; Reconfirm your details every 3 months.
  • both partners must each meet the earnings criteria.
  • Working-parent hours run until when your child starts school.
  • Adjusted net income can be affected by items such as pension contributions.

General information, not official advice. Check GOV.UK / your local council.

Free childcare application checklist

Get the four-page England eligibility and application guide by email.

Explore the rules

30 funded hoursThe working-parent entitlementEligibility rules£195 minimum and £100k ceilingFrom 9 monthsThe September 2025 extensionUniversal 15 hoursFor all 3- and 4-year-oldsComplete guideAge bands, eligibility and application

Frequently asked questions

How many funded hours can my child receive?

Depending on age and working-parent eligibility, the result is 0, 15 or 30 hours per week for 38 weeks.

When do hours begin for a baby?

The term after the child turns 9 months old.

How often must eligibility be reconfirmed?

Every 3 months.

Does the checker cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

No. It applies to England only.