⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: These tools are for educational purposes only and are not medical advice. Please consult your GP, health visitor, or NHS healthcare provider for any health concerns.
UK Free Childcare Hours

Free Childcare Eligibility Calculator (UK)

UK childcare costs are among the highest in the developed world. The 30-hour free childcare scheme (expanding to babies from 9 months in 2025) makes a huge difference for working families. This calculator tells you exactly how many free hours your family qualifies for in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Plus the approximate annual value. All calculations happen in your browser.

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UK-specific tool. Focuses on England 30-hour scheme. Notes for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland devolved schemes. Updated for 2025-26 expansion (9 months to 3 years).

UK Free Childcare Eligibility

Your Free Childcare Entitlement

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this tool

From September 2025, working parents in England of children aged 9 months to under school age can get 30 hours/week free childcare during term-time (or fewer hours stretched across the full year). To qualify, each working parent (or the sole parent if single) must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours/week at minimum wage (around £166/week or £8,670/year). Neither parent can earn over £100,000/year. You must be working, on parental leave, or sick leave.
Every 3-4 year old in England gets 15 hours/week free childcare regardless of family income (the universal entitlement). Working families get an additional 15 hours, totaling 30. From September 2024, the scheme expanded to include working parents of 9 month to 3 year olds. The universal 15 hours stays separate. The working parents 15 (or 30 for older kids) needs the income test.
Only at registered, Ofsted-rated childcare providers who accept the scheme. Most large nurseries do. Childminders registered with Ofsted also qualify. School nurseries qualify. Pre-school playgroups registered with Ofsted qualify. Out-of-school clubs (breakfast/after-school) qualify for school-age children. Not all settings accept the funding so confirm before enrolling. The Family Information Service in your council can give you a list.
Three options work together. First, Tax-Free Childcare gives you £2 from government for every £8 you pay (up to £2,000/year per child) for hours beyond your free entitlement. Second, Universal Credit covers up to 85% of childcare costs if you qualify. Third, your employer may offer childcare vouchers (now closed to new entrants but ongoing for those enrolled before October 2018) or workplace nurseries. Most working families combine free hours plus Tax-Free Childcare.
No. You can stretch the hours across the full year by using fewer hours per week for 50-51 weeks instead of 30 hours for 38 term-time weeks. Same annual total (1,140 hours). Many nurseries automatically stretch to provide consistent care. Discuss with your provider. Stretching is especially useful if you work year-round and need consistent childcare in school holidays.
Yes. Self-employed parents qualify the same way as employed parents. Your self-employed earnings count toward the £166/week minimum. New self-employed (less than 12 months) automatically qualify regardless of income for the first 12 months. After that, you need to show earnings at the £166/week minimum. HMRC checks your tax returns and Self Assessment record.
Apply at gov.uk/childcare-service. You need: National Insurance number, your partner's NI if applicable, child's birth certificate. You will get an 11-digit eligibility code. Give the code to your childcare provider. Every 3 months, log back into the childcare service to reconfirm you still meet the criteria (you have not stopped working, not exceeded £100k income, etc.). If you do not reconfirm, you lose the free hours from the next term.