30 Hours of Free Childcare: From September 2025
Wondering how to apply for 30 hours free childcare? Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, the application process, and how to access your funded hours.
The UK government's 30 hours free childcare scheme offers substantial support for working parents, aiming to ease the financial burden of childcare and facilitate a smoother return to work.
Understanding the nuances of this scheme is crucial to maximise its benefits.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the current provisions, eligibility criteria, application process, and upcoming changes to the scheme.
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Who Currently Gets 30 Hours of Free Childcare?
As of September 2025, the government offers the following childcare support:
Children aged 9 months to 2 years: Eligible working parents can now access 30 hours of free childcare per week.
Children aged 3 to 4 years: Eligible working parents continue to receive 30 hours of free childcare per week.
These hours are usually available during term time only, covering 38 weeks per year. Some childcare providers may allow you to stretch the hours over 52 weeks, resulting in fewer hours per week. Always check with your provider.
If you previously received 15 hours for a child under 3, you'll automatically receive 30 hours from September 2025 - provided you're still eligible and reconfirm your details.
Upcoming Changes to the Scheme
The biggest change is now live:
From September 2025: All eligible working parents of children aged 9 months and older can access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time.
This is part of the government’s effort to make childcare more affordable and accessible - particularly for working families with younger children.
Who is Eligible for 30 Hours Free Childcare?
To receive free childcare hours, you must meet certain criteria around employment, income, and immigration status.
Employment Status
You (and your partner, if applicable) must be:
In work (including self-employment or zero-hours contracts)
On sick leave or annual leave
On maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption leave
If you’re not currently working, you may still be eligible if your partner is working and you receive certain benefits (e.g., Carer’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit).
Income Thresholds
Over the next 3 months, each parent must expect to earn at least:
£2,539 if aged 21 or over
£2,080 if aged 18 to 20
£1,570 if under 18 or an apprentice
This is roughly equivalent to 16 hours a week at minimum wage. Your combined income must not exceed £100,000 each per year.
If you’re self-employed or newly employed, you can average income over the tax year. Some types of income (e.g. dividends or pension payments) do not count.
Immigration Status
You (and your partner, if applicable) must:
Have a National Insurance number
Have British or Irish citizenship, settled/pre-settled status, or valid leave with access to public funds
Additional Support for 2–3 Year Olds
If you or your child receive extra support (such as Universal Credit, an EHCP, or Disability Living Allowance), you may also qualify for an additional 15 hours, bringing your total to 30 hours per week.
Contact your local council’s Family Information Service to apply under this route.
How to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare
Applying for the 30 hours free childcare involves several steps:
Check Eligibility: Use the government's online tool to confirm your eligibility.
Set Up a Childcare Account: If eligible, you'll need to create a Government Gateway account. This account will be used to manage your childcare entitlements.
Apply Online: Through your childcare account, complete the application process. You'll need your:
National Insurance Number
Child’s Birth Certificate Reference Number
Details of any government support received
Unique Taxpayer Reference. Number (if self-employed)
Receive Your Code: If your application is successful, you'll receive a unique 11-digit code. Provide this code, along with your National Insurance number and your child's date of birth, to your chosen childcare provider.
Reconfirm Eligibility: Every three months, you must reconfirm your eligibility to continue receiving the free childcare hours.
When to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare
You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old. Your eligibility begins the term after your child turns 9 months old.
Here’s a simple guide to when you can apply and when your child’s free hours start:
| When Your Child Turns 9 Month Old | Free Hours Start | Deadline to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| 1 September – 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | 31 December |
| 1 January – 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | 31 March |
| 1 April – 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | 31 August |
📌 Important: You must apply before the deadline for the upcoming term. Some childcare providers may request the code earlier, so always check with them directly.
Next Steps to Receiving 30 Hours of Funded Childcare
Before applying, it’s essential to check with your chosen childcare provider to ensure they:
Have space available for your child.
Accept government-funded childcare hours.
Are able to stretch hours if needed
If you're already receiving 15 hours, you don’t need to reapply - just reconfirm your details as usual.
For further updates or to get help applying, don’t hesitate to reach out to the My Ohana team.
