Childcare Funding Calculator

Q: How many free childcare hours are available in 2026?

All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 free hours per week for 38 weeks per year. Working parents earning between £8,670 and £100,000 per year each can access 30 free hours. The expanded offer also gives 15 free hours to children aged 9 months to 2 years of working parents.

Q: What are the income limits for 30 free hours childcare?

Each working parent must earn at least £8,670 per year and no more than £100,000 adjusted net income. If one parent earns over £100,000, the household only qualifies for the universal 15 free hours.

Q: What is Tax-Free Childcare and how does it work?

For every 80p you pay into a childcare account, the government adds 20p, up to £2,000 per year per child (£4,000 for disabled children). You can use Tax-Free Childcare alongside free hours but not alongside childcare vouchers or Universal Credit childcare.

Q: How many weeks per year do free childcare hours cover?

The free childcare entitlement covers 38 weeks per year, corresponding to term time. Some providers offer stretched hours across 52 weeks at a reduced weekly amount, approximately 10.96 hours per week year-round for the 15-hour offer.

Q: Can I use Tax-Free Childcare with the 30 free hours?

Yes. You can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for childcare costs above your free hours entitlement. For example, if you need 50 hours per week but receive 30 free hours, Tax-Free Childcare can cover the remaining 20 hours with the government 20p top-up per 80p you contribute, up to £2,000 government contribution per year.

About Your Child

Child's age

Working parent(s)?

Highest earner's income (£/yr)

Hours needed per week

Local childcare hourly rate (£) Average: £6–£9/hr outside London; £9–£14/hr in London

2026 Free Childcare Entitlements

Age	Eligibility	Free Hrs/Wk	Weeks/Yr
9 months – 2 years	Working parents (£8,670–£100k each)	15	38
2 years	Working parents (£8,670–£100k each)	15	38
3–4 years	All children (universal)	15	38
3–4 years	Working parents (£8,670–£100k each)	30	38

Frequently Asked Questions

How many free childcare hours are available in 2026?

All 3- and 4-year-olds get 15 free hours/week (38 weeks). Working parents earning £8,670–£100k each qualify for 30 free hours/week. The expanded offer also gives 15 free hours to children aged 9 months to 2 years of eligible working parents.

What are the income limits for 30 free hours?

Each working parent must earn at least £8,670/year and no more than £100,000 adjusted net income. If one parent earns over £100,000, only the universal 15 hours apply.

What is Tax-Free Childcare and how does it work?

For every 80p you pay into a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government adds 20p — up to £2,000/year per child. Apply via the Childcare Service on GOV.UK. You can use TFC alongside free hours but not alongside childcare vouchers.

How many weeks per year do free hours cover?

Free childcare covers 38 weeks per year (term time). Some providers offer stretched hours across 52 weeks at a proportionally reduced weekly amount — approximately 10.96 hours/week year-round for the 15-hour offer.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare with the 30 free hours?

Yes. Tax-Free Childcare covers costs above your free hours. If you need 50 hours/week but receive 30 free hours, TFC covers the remaining 20 hours with the government 20p top-up per 80p you contribute, up to £2,000 government contribution per year.