EARNINGS RULES
Free childcare eligibility
Understand the £203.36 weekly minimum for age 21+, the adjusted-net-income ceiling and the rule for couples.
Free childcare application checklist
Get the four-page England eligibility and application guide by email.
Key facts
- Each required parent aged 21 or over must expect at least £2,643.68 before tax over the next 3 months (£203.36 a week or £10,574.72 a year on average).
- No parent can have expected adjusted net income over £100,000.
- For couples, both partners must meet the earnings criteria.
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
What is the minimum earnings figure?
For age 21+, the current figure is £2,643.68 over 3 months, equivalent to £203.36 per week.
Do younger workers have the same minimum?
No. National Minimum Wage age bands produce lower thresholds; check current GOV.UK figures.
Is exactly £100,000 allowed?
Yes. GOV.UK excludes expected adjusted net income over £100,000.
Can pension contributions affect the test?
They can affect adjusted net income; version 1 provides a note rather than calculating it.
What about a single parent?
That parent must meet the earnings criteria.
Related guides
30 hours · Eligibility · From 9 months · Universal 15 hours · Complete guide · £100k limit · 2-year-olds · 38 weeks · Single parents