SINGLE PARENTS
Free childcare for single parents
A single parent qualifies alone: meet the £203.36-a-week age-21+ earnings rule and do not exceed £100,000.
Free childcare application checklist
Get the four-page England eligibility and application guide by email.
Key facts
- For a single parent, that parent must meet the earnings criteria.
- For age 21+, the minimum is £203.36 a week (£2,643.68 over 3 months).
- Expected adjusted net income must not exceed £100,000.
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
Do the rules differ for single parents?
The same earnings tests apply, but only to the one parent.
What is the minimum earnings figure?
£203.36 per week for age 21+, or £2,643.68 over 3 months.
Does the £100,000 cap apply?
Yes — expected adjusted net income over £100,000 is excluded.
Does the universal 15 hours depend on work?
No. All 3- and 4-year-olds receive it regardless.
Related guides
30 hours · Eligibility · From 9 months · Universal 15 hours · Complete guide · £100k limit · 2-year-olds · 38 weeks · Single parents