30 FUNDED HOURS
30 hours free childcare in England
Check whether your child and household meet the working-parent conditions for 30 funded hours each week.
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
- 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.
- 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.
Key facts
- Eligible working parents can receive 30 hours a week for 38 weeks a year.
- That equals 1,140 funded hours a year.
- The extended scheme covers children from 9 months until school age.
Age bands at a glance
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks are funded?
The entitlement is stated as 38 weeks per year.
How many hours is that annually?
30 hours for 38 weeks equals 1,140 hours.
Must both partners work?
For a couple, both partners must each meet the earnings criteria.
Does the £100,000 limit apply to each parent?
Yes. Each parent must be under £100,000 adjusted net income.
Is this UK-wide?
No. This checker applies only to England.
Related guides
30 hours · Eligibility · From 9 months · Universal 15 hours · Complete guide