Help paying for childcare

Schemes to help parents and carers with the costs of childcare.

30-hour childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds

Working families may be eligible to receive 30 hours of free childcare for their 3 or 4-year-old child (from the term after their child's 3rd birthday).

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £183 per week (equal to 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage).  

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you're unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible. 

You can not get 30 hours of childcare if you or your partner  each individually expect to earn £100,000 adjusted net income or more. 

Read more about 30-hour childcare

Page last updated: 04 Jun 2024