15 & 30 Hours Free Childcare 2026
England's expanded free childcare scheme now covers eligible children from 9 months old. This guide explains exactly how many hours you can access at each age, what the earnings rules require, and how to apply with a childcare code.
Free Childcare Hours at a Glance — 2026
England's free childcare offer is split into two types: universal hours (available to all families regardless of income or employment) and working parent hours (requiring both parents to meet an earnings threshold). The number of hours you can access depends on your child's age and whether you are working.
Funded childcare does not begin until the term after the child turns 9 months old.
Both parents must meet the earnings threshold. Not available if income is under threshold or either parent earns £100k+.
Same earnings conditions as 9 months–2 years. Universal 15 hours for 2-year-olds ended in September 2024.
No earnings or employment conditions. Available regardless of income, employment, or immigration status.
Additional 15 hours on top of the universal entitlement for eligible working parents.
Full Entitlement Table 2026
The table below shows exactly how many hours you can access based on your child's age and your employment situation.
| Child's age | Not working / below threshold | Working — meets threshold | Either parent earns £100k+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 9 months | 0 hrs | 0 hrs | 0 hrs |
| 9 months to 2 years | 0 hrs | 15 hrs/wk | 0 hrs |
| 2 years old | 0 hrs | 15 hrs/wk | 0 hrs |
| 3–4 years old (universal) | 15 hrs/wk | 15 hrs/wk | 15 hrs/wk |
| 3–4 years old (working parent top-up) | Not eligible | +15 hrs/wk = 30 total | Not eligible |
| 5+ (school age) | 0 hrs | 0 hrs | 0 hrs |
Hours are per week over 38 term-time weeks. Many providers allow stretching over 52 weeks — see the 38-week rule section below.
The Earnings Threshold — Who Counts as "Working"
To access the working parent entitlement, each parent (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Living Wage over the coming 3 months.
From April 2026, the National Living Wage is £12.21 per hour. The minimum earnings threshold is therefore:
This applies per parent — not to the household total. Both partners in a couple must individually meet the threshold unless an exception applies.
Who is exempt from the earnings threshold?
You can still access the working parent entitlement if you (or your partner) are currently:
- On maternity, paternity, shared parental, or adoption leave — even at the lower statutory rate
- Self-employed and in the start-up period (first year of trading) — the minimum earnings threshold does not apply in your first year
- On sick leave and receiving statutory sick pay
- In receipt of Carer's Allowance or Universal Credit carer element
Worked examples
When Does the Entitlement Start? — Term Entry Dates
Free childcare hours do not begin on your child's birthday — they start from the beginning of the term after your child reaches the qualifying age. There are three term start dates each year.
⚠️ Apply before the term starts — not on the first day
To receive your free hours from the beginning of the term, you must apply for a childcare code through the GOV.UK childcare service and give your code to your provider in advance. Most providers require several weeks' notice. Applying on the first day of term means you may not receive your free hours until the following term.The 38-Week Rule & Stretching Your Hours
The 15 and 30-hour entitlements are calculated over 38 term-time weeks per year. In total, this means:
- 15 hours × 38 weeks = 570 hours per year
- 30 hours × 38 weeks = 1,140 hours per year
Many childcare providers allow you to stretch your annual total over 52 weeks instead of 38, giving you childcare support during school holidays as well as term time — but at a lower weekly rate.
How to Apply — Childcare Code & Provider Registration
-
1
Check eligibility online
Use the GOV.UK childcare eligibility checker to confirm you qualify. You will need your National Insurance number, employment details, and estimated income for the next 3 months. -
2
Apply for a childcare code via the Childcare Service
Log in to the Government Gateway and apply through the Tax-Free Childcare / 30 hours portal. If approved, you receive an 11-digit childcare code. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your desired start date to allow processing time. -
3
Give your code to your provider before the term starts
Your nursery, childminder, or playgroup must be registered with Ofsted and must confirm your code with HMRC. Most providers need the code 4–8 weeks before the term starts to arrange the funding paperwork. -
4
Reconfirm eligibility every 3 months
Your childcare code must be reconfirmed each quarter. HMRC sends a reminder. If you miss the reconfirmation deadline, your code expires and you lose the funded hours until it is renewed — your provider will then charge you for the unconfirmed period.
Free Childcare Hours vs Tax-Free Childcare — Key Differences
These are two separate, complementary schemes. Most working parents are eligible for both and should use both together.
✓ Free Childcare Hours
- 15 or 30 hours per week
- Only at registered Ofsted providers
- Used for care during provider's set sessions
- Cannot be used to pay for meals, extras, or additional hours
- Applied per term via childcare code
✓ Tax-Free Childcare
- 20% government top-up on costs (up to £2,000/yr per child)
- For any registered childcare cost — including extras and meals
- Used via an online childcare account
- Available for children up to 11 (or 16 for disabled children)
- Reconfirmed quarterly
In practice: use your free hours to cover the core funded sessions, and use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for additional hours, meals, or any costs your provider charges on top. See the Tax-Free Childcare Checker to confirm eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of free childcare can I get in 2026?
All 3 and 4-year-olds in England receive 15 universal hours per week regardless of parental income or employment. Working parents who meet the earnings threshold and earn under £100,000 can access 30 hours for 3–4 year olds, or 15 hours for children aged 9 months to 2 years. Hours are based on 38 term-time weeks but can usually be stretched to 52 weeks at a lower weekly rate.
When can I start free childcare for a child under 2?
Eligible working parents can access 15 hours from the term after the child turns 9 months old, not on the actual 9-month birthday. Terms start on 1 September, 1 January, and 1 April. A child born on 15 October would turn 9 months in July and become eligible from 1 September.
What is the minimum earnings threshold in 2026?
Each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage per week, assessed over the coming 3 months. With NLW at £12.21/hr from April 2026, this means approximately £195.36/week or £848/month per parent. Exceptions apply for parents on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, and self-employed parents in their first year of trading.
Can I get 30 hours if I earn over £100,000?
No. If either parent has an adjusted net income of £100,000 or more, you lose the working parent entitlement. However, 3 and 4-year-olds retain the universal 15 hours regardless of parental income. Children under 3 lose all entitlement if either parent earns £100,000+.
Can I combine free hours with Tax-Free Childcare?
Yes — they are separate, complementary schemes. Your free hours cover a set number of funded sessions at your provider. Tax-Free Childcare provides a 20% government top-up on any additional costs, including extra hours, meals, and care during holidays. Both are applied for through the same Government Gateway portal. See the Tax-Free Childcare Checker.
What is the 38-week rule — can I get childcare during holidays?
The 15 or 30 hours is based on 38 term-time weeks. Many providers allow you to stretch the annual total (570 or 1,140 hours) over 52 weeks, giving you approximately 11 or 22 hours per week throughout the year including holidays. Not all providers offer stretching — check with yours before assuming holiday cover is available.
What happens if I miss the quarterly reconfirmation?
Your childcare code expires and you temporarily lose the working parent entitlement. Your provider will charge you at their standard rate for any unconfirmed period. Reconfirm promptly using the HMRC reminder. If your circumstances have not changed, reconfirmation takes just a few minutes online through your Government Gateway account.