30 hours of funded childcare from 9 months old

If you live and work in England you may be entitled to 30 hours funded childcare support from the term after your child turns 9 months old, until they start school. Find out out to apply.

The funding covers the cost of childcare only and does not cover any additional costs incurred such as meals, snacks, nappies, daytrips etc.

Eligibility criteria for working parents

The basic criteria for this funding is:

• Parent(s) are in work earning less than £100,000 a year each.
  
• Each parent must be earning at least the minimum wage for 16 hours a week.
  
• Parents in receipt of incapacity, caring or limited capability for work benefits.
  
• A child becomes eligible from the beginning of the new term after they turn 9 months old.
  

Deadline for applications is the last day of the month before a new term starts: 31st March, 31st August, 31st December. The childcare provider must be Ofsted registered.

Best Start in Life (formerly Childcare Choices) is a government website where you can find out about the different types of childcare offers available. For more information and to check eligibility for working parent childcare funding, click the button below.

If you are on a low income from work or benefits you may be eligible for 15 hours per week free childcare funding for 2-year olds.

All 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to universal childcare funding for 15 hours per week. Find out more.