A guide to 30 hours free childcare

This year, the government introduced new funding schemes designed to support families with childcare costs. One of which is an update to the 30-hour free childcare scheme. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the scheme and how you can go about applying.

What is the 30 hours free childcare scheme?

In England, working parents of three and four year olds are entitled to an additional 15 hours of free childcare on top of the 15 hours of universal entitlement. These 30 hours are then spread across 38 weeks of a calendar year, from the term after your child turns three.

What is the eligibility criteria?

The quickest and best way to check if you are eligible is by visiting https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. 

It is not possible to qualify for 30 hours of free childcare without being eligible for 15 funded hours. There are set criteria for eligibility:

• Your child’s age

Under the current government scheme, your child must be three years old in order to qualify for the 30-hours free childcare. From September 2025, the government will be expanding the scheme to eligible families with children aged 9 months+.

• Your employment status

The parent(s) or carer living with the child must be working and living in the UK (unless a Crown servant or in the HM Armed Services with a posting overseas).

You may be eligible for the funded hours if you (and your partner, if you have one) are in work, on sick leave or annual leave, and/or are on shared parental leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, or adoption leave.

• Your income

How much you and/or your partner earn will determine whether or not you are eligible to access the additional 15 hours of free childcare on top of the 15 hours of universal entitlement. As part of the application process, you will be asked to state your and your partner’s (if you have one) earnings for the next three months before tax. Should you or your partner have an expected adjusted net income of over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.

How & when can you apply for 30 hours free childcare?

Eligible parents/carers can apply for the funding on the Childcare Choices website. 

Applications can be made up to 16 weeks before a child’s third birthday.

The below table outlines when children become eligible for funding based on their birthday and when the recommended time to apply for funding is:

Application timetable

How can you find your eligibility code and use it?

Once you have completed the government’s application process and been notified that you are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare, you should give your allocated eligibility code from your government childcare account to your Nursery Manager.

Your Nursery Manager will then notify you of your revised fees, with the 30 hours of free childcare applied. In the meantime, parents can check out the funded childcare fees by visiting their local nursery page.

You will need to reapply for funding eligibility every three months; this is a legal requirement from HMRC. The eligibility code will not change over time.

What can you do if your circumstances change or you weren’t eligible in the first instance?

Sometimes a parent’s circumstances can change at a later date, or you may have been unsuccessful in your initial funding application. In this case, you may reapply to HMRC to check your eligibility.

FAQ’s

1. How do I know if I am eligible for 30 hours free childcare?

The easiest and quickest way for parents and carers to seek eligibility, is to visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. 

2. Who benefits from 30 hours free childcare?

You and your child! The government-funded scheme has been designed to help parents with the costs of childcare in England. This means that you, the parent or carer, pay less while your child receives the same level of high-quality early years childcare at the nursery.

3. Can you get 30 hours free childcare if only one parent works?

The parent(s) or carer living with the child must be in employment in the UK. You may still be eligible if only one parent or carer in the household is working, but full eligibility will be determined by the government during the application process.

4. Can you earn too much to get 30 hours free childcare?

Yes, if you or your partner have an expected adjusted net income of over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.

5. Where can I find out more information about funding?

You can find out more information about the funding and bursaryies that N Family Club offers by visiting our funding and bursaries page.