Eligible working families can apply for 30 hours of free childcare a week, from the term after their child turns 9 months old until they start school. Find out about choosing a childcare provider.

Who can apply

You can apply for 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years old if, over the next three months, you and your partner (if you have one) each expect to earn at least:

• £2643.68 before tax if you’re aged 21 or over (equivalent to £203.36 per week)

• £2256.80 before tax if you’re aged 18 to 20 (equivalent to £173.60 per week)

• £1664 before tax if you’re under 18 or an apprentice (equivalent to £128 per week)

This is equivalent to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.

You can earn up to £100,000 adjusted net income per year and be eligible. If you or your partner have an expected adjusted net income (ANI) over £100,000 in the current tax year, you won't be eligible.

To be eligible for funded childcare for working parents, you (and your partner if you have one and if they live with you) must have a National Insurance number.

The person who applies must also have at least one of the following:

• British or Irish citizenship

• settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied and you’re waiting for a decision

• permission to access public funds – your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this

You can check if you're eligible on the Best Start in Life website, and read more about eligibility on GOV.UK.

How to apply

If you're eligible for 30 hours free childcare for working families, you can apply on GOV.UK. You must apply by:

• 31 March for a 1 April start

• 31 August for a 1 September start

• 31 December for a 1 January start

What happens next

After applying you'll be given an 11 digit code, which you need to give to your chosen childcare provider. The provider will check the code with the council and confirm the childcare place.

 The childcare stops when your child starts in reception class or reaches compulsory school age (if later).

If your circumstances change

If your circumstances change and you're no longer eligible for the 30 hours free childcare, you'll receive a grace period where you'll be able to keep the childcare for a short period of time. Usually this finishes at the end of the current term. Once the grace period has ended, you'll still be entitled to 15 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds.

You should also visit the Best Start in Life website to check your eligibility for other childcare schemes.

Appealing an eligibility decision

If you disagree with the eligibility decision you receive when applying for free childcare, you can appeal by calling HM Revenue and Customs on 0300 123 4097.