Help with childcare costs

Working parents may be entitled to an additional 15 hours funded childcare for your three or four-year-old, for 38 weeks per year, from the term after their third birthday if you are:

• a two-parent family, both working and each earning the equivalent of 16 hours per week paid at the national minimum or living wage
• each earning less than £100,000 per year

OR

• a single parent, working and earning the equivalent of 16 hours per week paid at national minimum or living wage
• earning less than £100,000 per year

How to apply

You must apply through HMRC at childcarechoices.gov.uk

• Want to find out if you’re eligible and apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare? Watch this video for step-by-step guidance on what you need to apply.
• Find out how other families have benefitted from 30 hours free childcare
• Visit childcarechoices.gov.uk to find out more. 

Your entitlement

If you are eligible, HMRC will issue you with a code which you must give to your childcare provider. Children will be eligible to claim from the term following their third birthday or the term following the date the eligibility code was issued (whichever is later) until they go to school, provided the parents remain within the eligibility criteria.

The eligibility code must have a validity start date on or before the following dates:

• Autumn Term: a validity start date on or before 31 August
• Spring Term: a validity start date on or before 31 December
• Summer Term: a validity start date on or before 31 March

You must reconfirm your code every three months by logging into your secure account.

Funding is paid directly to the childcare provider.

For further information about eligibility please contact HMRC’s Customer Interaction Centre on 0300 123 4097.