Free childcare in England: up to 30 hours a week for working parents

In England, working parents of children aged 9 months to school age can get up to 30 hours of free childcare a week — for 38 weeks a year, matching the school year. A separate, older scheme gives every 3 to 4-year-old 15 free hours a week regardless of parents' income. Two-year-olds get free hours only if the family receives extra support.

Who qualifies on income?

Each parent (or a lone parent) must expect to earn at least a set minimum over the three months after applying. If you are over 21 that is £2,643.68 over three months (about £203.36 a week). For ages 18 to 20 it is £2,256.80, and for under-18s and apprentices £1,664. These equal the National Minimum or Living Wage for 16 hours a week.

There is also an upper limit: if either parent's expected adjusted net income is over £100,000 a year, you lose the entitlement. Income from dividends, interest, property and pensions does not count toward the minimum-earnings test.

What else is required?

Both parents need a National Insurance number. The applicant must be a British or Irish citizen, have settled or pre-settled status (or a pending application), or otherwise have the right to access public funds. If one parent does not work but gets certain carer or disability benefits, the couple may still qualify.

How to apply — and keep your hours

You apply online on GOV.UK through a childcare account. Once approved you get a code to give your nursery or childminder. The key rule: you must reconfirm your details every three months, or the code stops working and you lose the hours. Apply early — a place starts at the beginning of the next school term, not immediately.

What else helps with the cost?

Free hours can be combined with Tax-Free Childcare: the government adds £2 for every £8 you pay in, up to £2,000 a year per child. Check on GOV.UK which combination is best for you — some forms of support cannot be claimed at the same time.