Free childcare eligibility

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

Each required parent must earn at least £195 a week, or £10,158 a year under the supplied 21+ threshold.
No parent can have adjusted net income of £100,000 or more.
For couples, both partners must meet the earnings criteria.

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

What is the minimum earnings figure?

Version 1 uses £195 per week, equivalent to £10,158 per year for the supplied 21+ band.

Do younger workers have the same minimum?

National Minimum Wage age bands can produce lower thresholds; version 1 uses the 21+ figure.

Is exactly £100,000 allowed?

No. Each parent must be under £100,000 adjusted net income.

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.