How many free childcare hours am I entitled to?

All 3 and 4-year-olds get 15 free hours per week for 38 weeks per year. Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds get 30 hours. Working parents of 2-year-olds get 15 hours from September 2024, rising to 30 hours from September 2025. Working parents of 9–23-month-olds get 15 hours from September 2024.

What counts as 'working' for free childcare hours?

You need to earn the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage (roughly £183/week in 2025/26). Both parents must meet this threshold if you are a couple. Income must be under £100,000 adjusted net income per parent.

When does my child become eligible for free hours?

Free hours start the term after your child reaches the eligible age. If your child turns 3 between 1 April and 31 August, they start in September. Between 1 September and 31 December, they start in January. Between 1 January and 31 March, they start in April.

Can I spread free hours over 52 weeks instead of 38?

Yes, if your provider offers a 'stretched' offer. Instead of 30 hours for 38 weeks, you receive around 22 hours per week for 52 weeks. Not all providers offer this — check with yours directly.

Do free hours cover meals and extras?

No. Providers can charge for meals, nappies, extra activities and trips on top of the free hours. They cannot make these compulsory, but in practice many do include them in their rates. Check what is and isn't included before signing up.

How do I claim free childcare hours?

Apply online at Childcare.service.gov.uk. You'll receive an 11-digit code to give to your childcare provider. You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months by signing back into the portal. Don't miss the reconfirmation deadline or you may lose your entitlement.

Are free hours available in Scotland differently?

Yes. Scotland offers 1,140 funded hours per year (equivalent to 30 hours per week for 38 weeks) to ALL 3 and 4-year-olds and eligible 2-year-olds, with no income test for 3 and 4-year-olds. This is more generous than England's universal 15-hour offer.

What if I'm self-employed and my income varies?

Self-employed parents can still qualify. HMRC will look at your expected earnings over the current quarter. If you have a period of lower earnings (e.g. maternity/paternity leave, illness), you may get a 'grace period' allowing you to keep entitlement for one further quarter even if earnings temporarily drop below the minimum threshold.

Can I use free hours with a childminder instead of a nursery?

Yes. Ofsted-registered childminders, nannies registered with a childminder agency, maintained nurseries, pre-schools and school nurseries can all accept free hours. You can also split free hours between more than one provider.

What happens to free hours if I stop working?

You get a grace period of one quarter (3 months) if you stop working or your income drops below the minimum threshold. After that quarter, if you haven't returned to qualifying earnings, you will revert to the universal 15-hour entitlement for 3 and 4-year-olds only.

Can I use free hours and Tax-Free Childcare together?

Yes. Free hours reduce the number of chargeable hours at your provider. Tax-Free Childcare can then cover any remaining costs with a 20% government top-up. Using both together maximises your savings.

How many weeks do free hours cover?

Free hours are available for 38 weeks per year, aligning with school term times. If you need care for more weeks, you will pay for those additional weeks. Alternatively, some providers offer a 'stretched' model spreading hours over 52 weeks at a lower weekly amount.

What is the income limit for 30 free hours?

Each parent must earn less than £100,000 in adjusted net income. This is your total income minus pension contributions, gift aid donations and other allowable deductions. If either parent earns £100,000 or more, you lose access to the additional hours (though the universal 15 hours for 3-4 year olds remains).

Are there free hours for children with disabilities or SEND?

Children with disabilities or special educational needs are entitled to the same free hours as all other children. If your child has an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) or is a looked-after child, additional support and sometimes extended funding may be available via your local council. Disabled children can also receive up to £4,000/year through Tax-Free Childcare.

Can both parents apply separately for free hours?

No. Free hours are per child, not per parent. You make one application per child. Both parents in a couple must each meet the eligibility criteria (earnings between 16 hours at NMW and under £100,000), but only one application is submitted and one code is issued per child.

What if I'm on maternity or paternity leave?

If you are on maternity, paternity, adoption or shared parental leave, you are treated as if you are working for eligibility purposes. You can still qualify for 30 hours (or the expanded offer) as long as your partner is also working and meets the income requirements.

How does the expanded offer affect babies under 1?

From September 2024, working parents of children aged 9–23 months can access 15 free hours per week for 38 weeks. This is a significant expansion. The offer does not yet cover babies under 9 months, though further expansion may come in future years. Check Childcare.service.gov.uk for the latest eligibility dates.

What is a 'stretched offer' and should I choose it?

The stretched offer spreads your annual free hours over 52 weeks instead of 38. For 30 hours over 38 weeks (1,140 hours/year), the stretched equivalent is roughly 21–22 hours per week all year round. This suits families who need year-round care. However, not all providers offer this. Ask your nursery or childminder if they participate.

Can I get free hours if I receive benefits instead of working?

The universal 15 hours for 3 and 4-year-olds is available regardless of whether you work or claim benefits. To access 30 hours or the expanded offers for under-3s, you generally need to be working. However, there are exceptions: if you're on Universal Credit with a work requirement, you may qualify for 30 hours even if not currently earning above the threshold.

When should I apply for free childcare hours?

Apply as soon as your child turns the qualifying age — or even a few weeks before. The code you receive can take a few days to come through, and you'll need to give it to your provider before the term starts. Providers may also have waiting lists, so applying early is important. Apply at Childcare.service.gov.uk.

Do free hours reduce if I only want part-time childcare?

Yes. Free hours are capped at a maximum of 10 hours per day and you must use them across a minimum of 2 days per week. If you only need, say, 20 hours per week, you receive 20 funded hours (not 30). The entitlement is a maximum, not a flat grant regardless of hours used.

How does free childcare work in Wales?

In Wales, the Flying Start programme provides free part-time childcare (12.5 hours per week for 39 weeks) to eligible under-4s in deprived areas. For all children, 10 universal free hours per week are available from age 3. The Welsh Government has been expanding provision but Wales offers fewer hours than Scotland for most families.

Is there a maximum number of hours I can claim per day?

Yes. You cannot claim more than 10 free funded hours in a single day. The total weekly hours are also capped at your entitlement (15 or 30). This means providers cannot offer all 30 hours in one or two long days — you must use them across at least 3 days of the week.

What documents do I need to apply for free childcare hours?

You apply online at Childcare.service.gov.uk using your Government Gateway login. You'll need your National Insurance number, UTR if self-employed, your child's date of birth and details of any benefits you receive. The process takes around 5–10 minutes. No paper documents are typically required, though HMRC may request proof of earnings if they need to verify your application.

Can I split free hours between two providers?

Yes. You can split your free hours between up to two providers in the same term. For example, you could use 15 hours at a nursery and 15 hours with a registered childminder, giving a total of 30 hours. Both providers need to be registered to accept funded hours. Tell each provider how many hours they'll be receiving from your total entitlement.

What is the difference between 'free hours' and 'funded hours'?

'Free hours' and 'funded hours' mean the same thing. The government funds providers directly for the hours your child attends, at a set hourly rate. The term 'free' means free to you as a parent — though providers may charge for meals, extra activities and non-funded extras. The government rate paid to providers varies by local authority and is typically lower than private market rates, which is why some providers charge top-up fees.

What if my provider charges 'top-up' fees above the free hours rate?

Providers should not charge for hours covered by the funded entitlement beyond optional extras (meals, trips, consumables). If a provider charges a compulsory top-up fee or makes additional sessions compulsory, this may breach the conditions of their funding agreement. You can report concerns to your local council's Early Years team. All providers must offer the funded hours without requiring you to pay for additional sessions.

Do free hours count during school half-terms and bank holidays?

Standard term-time funded hours are not usually available during school half-terms, Easter or Christmas holidays. However, the entitlement covers 38 weeks per year, which typically includes term dates. During holidays, you pay normal rates (unless your provider uses the stretched model). Use Tax-Free Childcare to save 20% on holiday costs.

How does the expanded childcare offer help working parents of babies?

The September 2024 expansion was a major policy shift. For the first time, working parents of babies from 9 months old can access 15 funded hours per week for 38 weeks. Previously, funded childcare only started at age 2 or 3. This aims to reduce the barrier of very high infant care costs and make it more financially viable for parents — particularly mothers — to return to work after maternity leave.

Can I use free childcare hours for a nanny?

Only if your nanny is registered with a childminder agency or is individually Ofsted-registered as a home childcarer. Most traditional nannies are not Ofsted-registered and cannot accept funded hours. Ofsted-registered nannies can accept up to the funded entitlement for eligible children. Registration is the nanny's responsibility and takes several months.

Will free childcare hours increase further beyond 2026?

As of February 2026, the government's plan is to have implemented 30 hours for working parents of 2-year-olds from September 2025. The offer for 9-month to 2-year-olds remains at 15 hours. There is political and sector pressure to extend to all under-2s regardless of parental working status, but no confirmed expansion dates have been announced beyond what is already in legislation.

How do free childcare hours affect my Universal Credit?

Free childcare hours reduce your actual childcare spending. If you claim the UC childcare element (85% of costs), only your actual out-of-pocket childcare costs after free hours are used to calculate your UC childcare support. This means using free hours first and then UC childcare for any remaining costs is the most efficient approach for UC claimants.

What is the difference between the 'universal' and 'working parent' entitlement?

The 'universal' entitlement is 15 hours per week for all 3 and 4-year-olds, regardless of whether parents work. The 'working parent' entitlement provides an additional 15 hours (total 30 hours) for working parents who meet the earnings criteria. The expanded offers (for 2-year-olds and 9-23-month-olds) are working-parent-only — there is no universal element for children under 3.

Free Childcare Hours Eligibility Checker

Child's Age

Employment Status

Minimum weekly earnings each working parent

Adjusted income (each parent)

Country

The Free Childcare Hours Offer at a Glance (2025/26)

15 hrs

Universal Offer

All 3–4 year olds
38 weeks/year
570 hours/year

30 hrs

Working Parents 3–4yr

Earning 16hrs at NMW
Under £100k income
1,140 hours/year

15 hrs

Working Parents 9m–2yr

From Sept 2024
Working parents only
570 hours/year

30 hrs

Working Parents 2yr

From Sept 2025
Working parents only
1,140 hours/year

The Expanded Childcare Offer: A Timeline

The UK government has significantly expanded the free childcare offer since 2023. Here is a complete timeline of changes in England:

Date	Change	Who Benefits
Always	15 hours/38 weeks universal	All 3–4 year olds
April 2024	15 hours for working parents of 2-year-olds	Working parents, earnings/income eligible
September 2024	15 hours for working parents of 9–23-month-olds	Working parents, earnings/income eligible
September 2024	30 hours extended to working parents of 2-year-olds	Working parents with 2-year-olds
September 2025	30 hours confirmed for working parents of 2-year-olds (full rollout)	All qualifying working parents

Who Qualifies for 30 Free Childcare Hours?

To access the 30-hour offer for 3 and 4-year-olds (or the expanded offers for younger children), you must meet the following criteria:

Each parent must earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage — this is approximately £183 per week or £9,518 per year in 2025/26
Neither parent's adjusted net income can exceed £100,000 per year
For couples, both parents must meet the earnings requirement (unless the other parent has a disability, caring responsibilities, or is on certain benefits)
You must be resident in England (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate schemes)
Your child must be the qualifying age (3–4 years for standard 30 hours; 9 months–3 years for expanded offers)

What Counts as "Earning" for Eligibility?

Earnings include salary, self-employment income, and certain benefits such as Statutory Maternity Pay. You are treated as working if you are on maternity, paternity, adoption or shared parental leave. Self-employed parents use their expected earnings for the quarter. HMRC will check your actual earnings, so be honest in your application.

How to Claim Free Childcare Hours

Go to Childcare.service.gov.uk and sign in with your Government Gateway ID
Complete the online application (takes 5–10 minutes)
Receive your unique 11-digit code by email, usually within minutes
Give the code to your chosen childcare provider before the term starts
Your provider checks the code is valid and registers the funded hours
Reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months — HMRC will prompt you by email or text

Term-Time vs Stretched Offer: Which Is Better?

The standard offer delivers free hours during the 38 school weeks per year. If you need year-round care, some providers offer a "stretched" option. Here's the difference for 30 hours:

Term-time (standard): 30 hours per week for 38 weeks = 1,140 hours per year
Stretched: 1,140 hours spread over 52 weeks = approximately 21.9 hours per week all year

The stretched offer provides continuous funding without holiday gaps. However, not all providers offer it — ask before enrolling. If your provider is term-time only and you need holiday care, you will pay full rates during those periods (consider Tax-Free Childcare to reduce holiday club costs).

What Free Hours Cover — and What They Don't

Free childcare hours fund only the core childcare sessions. Providers are allowed to charge separately for:

Meals (snacks, lunch, tea)
Nappies and consumables
Extra activities (music, sports, trips)
Additional hours beyond the funded entitlement

Providers cannot make any of these extras compulsory as a condition of receiving funded hours. However, in practice many nurseries include meals as part of their fee structure and simply charge for them separately when you use free hours. Always read the contract carefully.

Free Childcare in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Scotland

Scotland has the most generous offer in the UK. All 3 and 4-year-olds receive 1,140 funded hours per year (equivalent to 30 hours for 38 weeks) with no income or earnings test. Eligible 2-year-olds (looked-after children, those with disability living allowance, those whose parents receive certain benefits) also receive 1,140 hours. This is delivered by local authorities and can be used with a range of registered providers.

Wales

Wales offers 10 universal free hours per week from age 3. The Flying Start programme provides 12.5 hours per week for eligible families with under-4s in designated areas. The Welsh Government has been working to expand the offer, so check the current position with your local council. Wales uses a different funding model to England and Scotland.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland operates a Preschool Education Programme offering 12.5 hours per week term-time in the preschool year (typically the year before school). Extended provision of 22.5 hours is available in some settings. This is less extensive than England, Scotland or Wales. Universal free childcare for younger children is not yet available.

Free Childcare Hours: Frequently Asked Questions

When do free childcare hours start for my child?

Free hours begin the term after your child's birthday reaches the qualifying age. If your child turns 3 between 1 April and 31 August, they become eligible from September. If they turn 3 between 1 September and 31 December, from January. If between 1 January and 31 March, from April. This applies to England — Scotland operates differently with local authority variations.

Can I use free hours with a childminder?

Yes. Ofsted-registered childminders can accept funded childcare hours. Nannies can also accept funded hours if they are registered with an Ofsted-registered childminder agency or individually registered as a home childcarer with Ofsted. Always confirm with the provider before enrolling that they are registered to receive funded hours, as not all are.

What happens if I stop working or my income rises above £100,000?

You get a grace period of one full term (roughly one quarter) during which your funded hours continue even if you no longer meet the criteria. After this grace period, you revert to the universal 15 hours for 3–4 year olds (or zero for younger children). Report changes in circumstances promptly on Childcare.service.gov.uk.

How do free hours work if I'm self-employed?

Self-employed parents are eligible. HMRC uses your expected earnings for the current quarter to assess eligibility. If you're just starting out or had a low-income quarter, you may still qualify based on your expected earnings going forward. You must declare your expected earnings honestly. If you have a loss-making year, you may temporarily lose the working parent element but keep the universal 15-hour offer for 3–4 year olds.

Can I claim free hours across two different providers?

Yes. You can split your entitlement between up to two providers in the same term. For example, 15 hours at nursery and 15 hours with a childminder. Tell each provider how many of your funded hours they will receive. Both providers must be registered to accept funded hours. You cannot claim more than your total entitlement in total across providers.

Is there a maximum number of free hours I can claim per day?

Yes. You cannot use more than 10 funded hours in a single day. Your weekly total is capped at your entitlement (15 or 30 hours). You must also use funded hours across at least 2 days per week — you cannot concentrate all 30 hours into one long day per week. This prevents providers from offering unsustainable care patterns.

Do free childcare hours affect my Tax Credits or Universal Credit?

Free childcare hours themselves do not count as income and do not affect Tax Credits or Universal Credit. However, they reduce your actual childcare costs, which may in turn reduce the childcare element of your UC claim (since that element covers 85% of your actual remaining costs). Use free hours first to reduce your bill, then claim UC childcare on what's left.

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Mustafa Bilgic
Financial content writer specialising in UK family finance, benefits and tax. All figures based on HMRC, DfE and gov.uk guidance for 2025/26. Last updated: February 2026.