Free childcare from 9 months

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.

Key facts

From 1 September 2025, eligible working parents can receive 30 hours from 9 months to school age.
Funded hours start the term after the child turns 9 months old.
A child under 9 months receives 0 early-years funded hours under this rule.

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

Does funding start on the 9-month birthday?

No. It starts the term after the child turns 9 months old.

How many hours can an eligible baby receive?

30 hours per week for 38 weeks per year.

What if the earnings rules are not met?

This working-parent entitlement is 0; some 2-year-olds may qualify under separate support schemes.

When did the extension begin?

1 September 2025.

When does it end?

When the child starts school.