Who can get 15 and 30 hours of free childcare?

Many families in the UK are entitled to free childcare for their young children. The government offers 15 hours of free childcare per week to all 3 and 4-year-olds, as well as eligible 2-year-olds. This is known as the universal entitlement.

In addition to the universal entitlement, some families may be eligible for an additional 15 hours of free childcare per week, bringing the total to 30 hours. This extra entitlement is known as the extended entitlement and is subject to certain criteria.

To be eligible for the extended entitlement, both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must be working and earning a minimum income threshold. The current threshold is £120 a week on average for each parent or £6,000 a year. This threshold is set to increase to £125 a week in April 2022.

Alternatively, if one parent does not work but receives certain benefits, they may still be eligible for the extended entitlement. These benefits include Universal Credit, tax credits based on an annual salary, or Income Support.

It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria can vary depending on individual circumstances, so it’s always best to check with the government’s official childcare support website to confirm your entitlement.

Overall, the 15 and 30 hours of free childcare can provide significant financial relief for families and help support working parents in balancing their employment and childcare responsibilities.