ENGLAND WORKING-PARENT SCHEME
Free childcare for working parents
Age bands, earnings conditions, funded hours and the three-step application process in one guide.
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.
Age bands and hours
| 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 |
The earnings test
Each required parent must earn at least £195 per week under the supplied 21+ threshold. No parent can have adjusted net income of £100,000 or more. For couples, both partners must meet the criteria.
How to apply
- Set up a childcare account.
- Get the eligibility code and give it to the provider.
- Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months.
Scope
This applies to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate different schemes. Separate support rules may give some 2-year-olds 15 hours.
Related guides
30 hours · Eligibility · From 9 months · Universal 15 hours
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the working-parent hours?
Each required parent must meet the minimum earnings rule and each must be under £100,000 adjusted net income.
What is the annual equivalent of 30 hours?
1,140 hours over 38 weeks.
How do parents apply?
Set up a childcare account, obtain the code and reconfirm every 3 months.
What about 2-year-old support schemes?
Some children may receive 15 hours through separate support criteria; version 1 provides a generic note only.
Where does this scheme apply?
England only.
Free childcare application checklist
Get the four-page England eligibility and application guide by email.