Working parents of nine-month-olds can already access 15 hours of free childcare a week, but this is rising to 30 hours a week from September – here is how it works
Families are being urged to check if they qualify for up to 30 hours of free childcare a week before an upcoming deadline.
To receive funding in time for September, you need to apply by August 31. The Department for Education (DfE) claims eligible families could save up to £7,500 a year by using the free childcare scheme.
Working parents of nine-month-olds can already access 15 hours of free childcare a week, but this is rising to 30 hours a week from September.
If your child is between the age of nine months and two years old, you must be earning the equivalent of the national minimum wage for 16 hours a week, on average, but less than £100,000 a year, to qualify for free childcare.
This applies to both parents if you’re in a couple. All parents of three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours free childcare a week as standard, regardless of whether they are in work. It comes after a state pension warning for millions of Brits who are between two specific ages.
Working parents with children of these ages can claim the full 30 hours if they meet the earnings criteria. Free childcare hours are usually taken over 38 weeks to cover term time, but you can normally spread it out further by using fewer hours a week.
The free hours must be used with a registered childcare minder, such as some private nurseries or state-run pre-schools. The rules above apply to England. There are separate free childcare systems in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
You have to register for free childcare through GOV.UK with your National Insurance number or if you’re self-employed, your Unique Taxpayer Reference.
You will also need the UK birth certificate reference number of any children you’re applying for and the date you started, or are due to start, work.
If you are married or in a civil partnership, or living together as though you are, then you must include your partner in your application.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a code to give to your childcare provider. HMRC will check you are eligible for free childcare by using your PAYE records.
Early Education Minister Stephen Morgan said: “Our Plan for Change is about backing families and delivering on the promises we’ve made.
”This landmark expansion of funded childcare will help parents save money, work in the jobs they love, and give more children the best start through high-quality early education.
“By extending 30 hours of childcare to children from just 9 months old, we’re making a real difference to everyday lives. We’re working closely with nurseries and childminders to make sure parents can access the support they’re entitled to. I encourage all families to visit the Childcare Choices website before the 31 August deadline.”