15 hours free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds

15 hours / week

570 funded hours per year, based on 38 weeks

Age band

Age 3–4

Working-parents 30 hours

Not eligible

Reason

Not eligible: the minimum earnings condition is not met.

Starts

the term after your child turns 9 months old

How to apply

Set up a childcare account

Get your eligibility code

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.

For a single parent, that parent must meet the earnings criteria.

The parent does not meet the minimum earnings rule.

All 3- and 4-year-olds can receive the universal 15 hours.

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.

Key facts

Child’s age	Funded hours	Who qualifies
Under 9 months	0	Starts the term after 9 months
9–35 months	30	Eligible working parents
3–4 years	15 or 30	15 universal; 30 if working-parent eligible
School age	0 early-years hours	Scheme ends

Who receives the universal 15 hours?

All 3- and 4-year-olds in England under the supplied rules.

Must parents be working?

No. The universal 15 hours do not depend on work.

Can an eligible family receive 30 hours?

Yes. Eligible working parents receive 30 hours in the 3–4 age band.

How many hours is 15 hours annually?

570 hours over 38 weeks.

Does it continue after school starts?

No. Early-years funded hours no longer apply once the child is school age.