Who can get 15 and 30 hours of free childcare?

Many families in the UK are eligible for free childcare hours to help with the cost of childcare. The government currently offers 15 hours of free childcare per week for all 3 and 4-year-olds, and 30 hours for some eligible families.

To qualify for the 15 hours of free childcare, both parents must be working (or the sole parent is working in a lone-parent family) and each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage. The hours can be spread across multiple settings, such as nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders.

For the additional 15 hours of free childcare (totaling 30 hours), families must meet the same criteria as above, plus each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year and not be receiving certain benefits, such as income support or tax credits.

Some families may also be eligible for free childcare if their child has special educational needs or disabilities, is looked after by the local authority, or is a child of a refugee.

It’s important to remember that eligibility criteria can change, so it’s best to check the government’s website or speak to your childcare provider for the most up-to-date information.

Overall, free childcare hours can be a huge help to families trying to balance work and childcare responsibilities, so make sure to see if you qualify!