Parents of three and four-year-olds will need to meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for 30 hours free childcare:

If you are working

You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

• in work
• on sick leave or annual leave
• on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave. 

If you’re on adoption leave for a child aged 3 to 4 years old, you must return to work within 31 days of the date you first apply for 30 hours free childcare for that child.

If you are not currently working

You may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.

You can apply if you're starting or re-starting work within the next 31 days. 

Your income

You’ll need to expect to earn a certain amount over the next 3 months. This is at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage (GOV.UK) for 16 hours a week on average.

For example, over the next 3 months you expect to earn at least £1,853.28 - the National Living Wage for people over 23.

If you have a partner, they’ll need to expect to earn at least this much too.

If you're self-employed and do not expect to make enough profit in the next 3 months, you can use an average of how much you expect to make over the current tax year.

This earnings limit does not apply if you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago.

If you or or your partner have an expected ‘adjusted net income’ over £100,000 in the current tax year you will not be eligible. This includes any bonuses you expect to get.

Your adjusted net income is your total taxable income (GOV.UK) before any personal allowances and minus things like Gift Aid.

What happens if a parent loses eligibility?

They will receive a “grace period” – this means they will be able to keep their childcare for a short period.

Once the the “grace period” has lapsed, the child will still be able to attend the first 15 hours a week (as this is available to everyone). But not the additional 15 hours.

For more information, visit : 30 hours free childcare - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Some information on this page has been sourced from: 30 hours free childcare - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)