Age of your youngest eligible child in months (0-60).
Reg. 07380272 · England & Wales · Est. 2010
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Parent 1 Income: £30,000.00
Within eligible range
Parent 2 Income: £25,000.00
Within eligible range
Income range required
£8,670 – £100,000
Each working parent must earn within this range per year.
Child age: 36 months
Child is within eligible age range (9-59 months)
Everything you need to know about free childcare entitlements in England
How many free hours can I get?
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time, regardless of family income. If both parents are working (or you are a single working parent) and each earn between £8,670 and £100,000 per year, you can get 30 hours of free childcare per week. This is made up of 15 universal hours plus an additional 15 extended hours. The free hours are available for 38 weeks per year during school term time, or can be stretched across more weeks at fewer hours per week.
What are the income requirements?
To qualify for the extended 30 hours (or 15 hours for under-3s), both parents must each individually earn at least £8,670 per year (equivalent to 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage) and no more than £100,000 per year adjusted net income. If you are a single parent, only your income is assessed. If one parent is on certain benefits such as Incapacity Benefit, Carer's Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance, they may still qualify even if they are not earning.
When does free childcare start?
Working parents can access 15 hours of free childcare from when their child is 9 months old, provided they meet the income requirements. The universal 15 hours for all families (regardless of working status) start from the term after the child turns 3. The extended 30 hours for working parents are also available from age 3. Eligibility starts from the term after the child reaches the qualifying age -- the term start dates are 1 January, 1 April, and 1 September.
Can I use it at any nursery?
Free childcare hours can be used at any Ofsted-registered childcare provider that has signed up to offer the government-funded hours. This includes nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, and some school-based provision. Not all providers offer the full 30 hours, and some may charge for extras such as meals, nappies, or activities beyond the funded hours. It is worth checking with your chosen provider whether they accept funded hours and what additional charges may apply.
How do I apply?
You can apply for free childcare hours through the GOV.UK Childcare Choices website. You will need to create an account and provide details about your employment and income. Once approved, you will receive an eligibility code which you give to your childcare provider. You need to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months to continue receiving the funded hours. If your circumstances change (for example, your income drops below the minimum), there is a grace period to allow you to find new employment before losing eligibility.
HMRC-Aligned: This calculator uses official HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year (6 April 2025 -- 5 April 2026). Results are indicative -- for complex situations, consult a qualified adviser or visit GOV.UK Childcare Choices.
This calculator uses official rates and thresholds from:
Last verified: February 2026 · Tax year 2025/26. Results are indicative — consult a qualified accountant for personalised advice.
Reviewed by M. Samiuddin Quadri, ACCA — Chartered Certified Accountant at Gladstone & Co. · Updated for the 2025/26 tax year.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms