Help with Childcare Costs

15 & 30  FUNDING FOR 2, 3 & 4 YEAR OLD

Applications are now open for eligible working parents of 2-year-olds to receive 15 hours free childcare, starting from April 2024. 

 Please find link for the 30 hours free childcare scheme for eligible working parents from the term after their child turns nine months until they start school. 

From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support. 

From September2024, 15hours childcare support will b extended to eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old.

 From September 2025, this will be extended to 30 hours for eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old up to school age. 

How do I apply for 2 year old Funding ?

You need to meet the eligibility criteria before you can claim the 15 hours funding. 

You apply online here on Gov.uk. 

https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working  

You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application: 

Your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self- employed).

• the date you started or are due to start
• details of any government support or benefits you
• the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your

You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.

Once your application has been approved, you’ll get a code for funded childcare  hours to give to your childcare provider. 

Applications are open from now until 31 March. If you miss the deadline you won’t be able to start using the new entitlements from 1 April.

Eligible parents are also able to access Tax-Free Childcare through the same application system.  You don’t need to apply for Tax-Free Childcare to be eligible to apply for the 15 hours of free childcare.