Back to Childcare and nurseries

15 hours free childcare for 2 year olds receiving additional support

From the term after your child turns 2 years old, you might be eligible for 15 hours free childcare a week if you receive some additional forms of support. Depending on your child's needs and your own circumstances, this could be at a day nursery, pre-school, play group, childminder or family hub. Find out about choosing a childcare provider.

Who can apply

You're eligible for 15 hours free childcare if your child is 2 year olds and you get any of the following additional support:

• Universal Credit with a household income of £15,400 a year or less after tax (not including benefit payments)
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• tax credits and you have an annual income under £16,190 before tax
• the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act

Children who are 2 years old also qualify if they:

• get Disability Living Allowance
• are looked after by a local council
• have a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
• have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order, or a child arrangements order

What you'll receive

If you're eligible for free childcare for 2 year olds, you'll receive up to 15 hours a week of free childcare during term time. You can also ask your childcare provider about a 'stretched offer' - this means you get less hours during the week and stretch the hours to cover holiday periods.

How to apply

You can apply for the 15 hours a week free childcare for 2 year olds online. You'll get an instant response and if you're eligible you'll be able to download a confirmation ticket to give to your childcare provider so they can arrange the funding.

If you aren't eligible, you'll get the option to refer your application. We'll then contact you to discuss your situation.