2 year olds: 15 hours free childcare for eligible low-income and working families

From April 2024, more 2 year old children may be eligible to 15 hours free childcare per week during term-time (up to 38 weeks per year). These hours can be used at any nursery or childminder who are registered to offer these entitlements. Find out about the two offers available and if your child is eligible:

Offer 1: LOW-INCOME FAMILIES 

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, your child may be able to access 15 hours childcare support.

You may be eligible if you receive income related benefit such as:
> Universal Credit and are not working.
> Universal Credit and earning less than £15,400 a year or less after tax.
> Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit (or both) and your income is £16,190 a year or less.

Your child:
> has a special needs or disability and has an Education, Health Care plan, or receives Disability Living Allowance.
> is adopted or in foster care.

You are a non-UK citizen:
> who cannot claim benefits and your immigration status says you have 'no recourse to public funds'.

     

>> Click here to find a list of nurseries and childminders registered to offer these funded hours

Offer 2: WORKING FAMILIES 

If you are working, your child may be able to access 15 hours childcare support.

You may be eligible if:
> You and your partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £183 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage). 

> If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible

> You cannot get the 15 hours free childcare for 2 year olds, if you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 adjusted net income or more.



        
     

>> Click here to find a list of nurseries and childminders registered to offer these funded hours

When could my child start using these hours?

Your child birthday falls between:

> 1 September to 31 December > Start in January (apply from 15 October)
> 1 January to 31 March > Start in April (apply from 15 January)
> 1 April to 31 August > Start in September (apply from 15 June)