Access to affordable childcare is essential for working families, and the UK government’s 30 hours free childcare scheme is designed to ease that burden. This support is available to eligible parents living in England who have children aged between 9 months and 4 years.
The scheme helps reduce childcare costs and supports parents returning to or remaining in employment. Understanding who qualifies, how to apply, and what you’ll receive is key to maximising this benefit.
This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of how to access 30 hours of free childcare and what steps you need to take.
What is 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme?
The 30 hours free childcare scheme is a government-funded initiative in England that provides eligible working parents with up to 30 hours of free childcare per week.
This support is designed to help families balance work and childcare responsibilities without financial strain. It applies to children aged from 9 months to 4 years, depending on the household’s circumstances and income.
The scheme operates during the school term for up to 38 weeks per year, with some flexibility to spread the hours over the year if fewer weekly hours are used. The childcare must be accessed through approved providers.
What You’ll Get?
Under the scheme, parents can expect the following:
- Up to 30 hours of free childcare per week
- Available for 38 weeks per year (term-time)
- Can be stretched over the full year with fewer hours per week
- Applies to children aged 9 months to 4 years, depending on eligibility
What’s included:
- Structured early education
- Safe, approved childcare settings
- Access to nurseries, schools, and play schemes
What’s not included:
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies or personal items
- Extra-curricular activities like trips
- Additional childcare hours beyond entitlement
Speak with your childcare provider about how hours are allocated and any potential extra charges.
What Free Childcare Is Available Based on My Child’s Age?
Free childcare in England is structured around your child’s age and your family’s work and income status. This tiered system ensures support is provided when it’s most needed, helping parents balance employment and childcare responsibilities.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you may be eligible for:
| Child’s Age | Support Available | Notes |
| 9 months to 2 years | 15 hours (rising to 30 from Sep 2025) | Must be working and meet income thresholds |
| 2 to 3 years (with support) | 30 hours (15 hours from two schemes) | Must receive additional support and be working |
| 3 to 4 years | 15 hours for all, 30 hours for eligible working parents | Universal entitlement for all |
As this system expands, especially from September 2025, more families will benefit from extended hours. Be sure to check your eligibility regularly, as changes in income or support needs can affect your entitlement.
Who Is Eligible for the 30 Hours Free Childcare Scheme?
Eligibility is based on your work status, income, immigration status, and the age of your child. The scheme is available only in England.
You and your partner (if you have one) must be:
- Working (or starting a new job)
- Earning above the minimum threshold:
- £2,539 over 3 months if aged 21+
- £2,080 if aged 18–20
- £1,570 if under 18 or an apprentice
- Earning less than £100,000 adjusted net income
Other key eligibility notes:
- Self-employed parents are eligible
- You may still qualify if on certain benefits or parental leave
- You cannot claim if your child does not live with you
Meeting the eligibility criteria ensures you can access valuable childcare support while balancing work and family life. Always check official guidance to confirm your current status.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply?
When applying, you must be ready with personal and financial information:
- Your National Insurance number
- Partner’s National Insurance number (if applicable)
- UTR if self-employed
- UK birth certificate reference for your child
- Date you started or plan to start work
- Evidence of income if you’re self-employed:
- Recent invoices
- Wage slips or accountant’s letter
- Bank statements
All documents should be up-to-date and clearly show work and income details.
How to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare in the UK?
Applying for the 30 hours free childcare support starts once you’ve confirmed that you meet the eligibility criteria.
The process is managed online via the government’s Childcare Service and takes around 20 to 30 minutes. To make things easier, here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the application journey.
Step 1: Prepare Your Information
- Gather your National Insurance number and your partner’s (if applicable).
- Have your income details and benefit information ready.
Step 2: Create or Sign in to Your Government Gateway Account
- Visit the HMRC website to create or access your Government Gateway account.
- You’ll need this ID to access the Childcare Service portal.
Step 3: Complete the Application
- Log in to the Childcare Service and fill out your personal, employment, and income details.
- Your eligibility will be confirmed instantly or within a few days.
Step 4: Receive Your Eligibility Code
- If approved, you’ll get an 11-digit code valid for 3 months.
- This code is required to claim your 30 free hours.
Step 5: Provide the Code to Your Childcare Provider
- Choose a registered provider participating in the scheme.
- Share the code, your NI number, and your child’s ID documents with them.
Step 6: Renew Your Code Every 3 Months
- Reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months through your childcare account.
- HMRC will send reminders via text or email.
Completing these steps carefully and on time ensures you receive uninterrupted access to free childcare.
When Should Parents Apply for Free Childcare Funding?
Timing is crucial. You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old, but the start of your childcare entitlement depends on when your child turns 9 months.
Check the deadlines in the table below:
| Child Turns 9 Months | Funding Starts | Application Deadline |
| Sep – Dec | 1 January | 31 December |
| Jan – Mar | 1 April | 31 March |
| Apr – Aug | 1 September | 31 August |
Applying early ensures you don’t miss out on a funded place.
What Happens After the Application Is Submitted?
Once your application is completed, you’ll move into the review and confirmation stage.
Review & Approval Timeline
- You may be approved instantly
- If HMRC needs to verify your income, it may take up to 7 days
Post-Approval Steps
- An 11-digit code will be available in your account
- You’ll get a text or email from HMRC confirming the code
- Share this code with your childcare provider along with:
- Your NI number
- Your child’s date of birth
If you haven’t received a response within 7 days, contact the Childcare Service helpline.
What Counts as Approved or Registered Childcare Providers?
To qualify for the scheme, the childcare provider must be officially registered. Only approved organisations can accept the 30 hours code.
Approved providers include:
- Registered nurseries
- Playschemes
- Schools with early years departments
- Childminders registered with a recognized authority
Informal childcare, like grandparents or unregistered nannies, is not eligible. Always ask providers to confirm their approval status before you apply.
How Do You Confirm and Reconfirm Childcare Eligibility?
To continue receiving support, parents must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months. This ensures your circumstances remain valid and your code stays active.
Steps to Reconfirm:
- Log into your childcare account
- Review and confirm personal and employment information
- Submit updates if any circumstances have changed
Important Points:
- Set calendar reminders every 3 months
- Missed reconfirmations can delay your funding
- Reconfirmation is mandatory even if your details haven’t changed
Providers will need your updated 11-digit code each term.
Can You Combine Free Childcare with Other Support Schemes?
Yes, you may be able to combine the 30 hours free childcare scheme with other forms of childcare support, but not all at once.
Eligible families can also receive help through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare. However, you cannot claim both Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare at the same time.
When applying for the 30 hours scheme, HMRC will automatically assess your eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare. If you’re already receiving Universal Credit childcare support, you’ll need to choose the option that offers better value for your circumstances.
It’s important to compare the benefits of each scheme carefully. Speaking to your childcare provider or a financial advisor can help you determine the most cost-effective solution for your family’s needs and income level.
What Are the Common Costs Parents May Still Have to Pay?
While the childcare hours are free, certain extras may incur a charge depending on your provider. These costs must be made clear in advance.
Common expenses include:
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies and wipes
- Extra hours beyond entitlement
- Trips or enrichment activities
Providers cannot charge top-up fees for funded hours or a non-refundable registration fee for the free hours. Always request a full breakdown of any expected charges when arranging your childcare.
Conclusion
Accessing 30 hours of free childcare in England can significantly reduce the financial strain on working families. By understanding the age-based entitlement, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, parents can take full advantage of this government support.
Planning ahead, applying on time, and keeping your childcare code active ensures uninterrupted access to quality childcare.
Be sure to communicate regularly with your provider and confirm all details to make the most of this valuable scheme.
FAQs About 30 Hours Free Childcare
Can single parents claim the 30 hours of free childcare?
Yes, single parents who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for 30 hours of free childcare support in England.
How do self-employed or freelance parents prove their income?
They can submit bank statements, invoices, or accountant letters to show expected income over the next 3 months.
Is free childcare available during holidays or only term-time?
The 30 hours are funded for 38 weeks per year, but you can stretch the hours over more weeks if your provider allows.
What should I do if I lost or didn’t receive my childcare code?
Log into your childcare account to retrieve it, or contact the Childcare Service helpline if there’s a delay.
Can foster parents claim 30 hours of childcare?
Yes, foster parents can apply if they work outside their fostering role and meet income requirements, but must apply through the local authority.
What happens if I earn just below or just above the income threshold?
You may still be eligible if you meet average income calculations or have recently started self-employment.
Can separated parents both claim for the same child?
No, only one parent can receive the 11-digit code. HMRC will decide if both parents apply separately and cannot agree.
