Early Years childcare support is expanding. Eligible working families can now apply for 30 hours of childcare to use from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.
Since September 2025, 15 hours for eligible working families has expanded to 30 hours, meaning eligible working parents can apply for 30 hours of childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.
If you are not eligible for the working parent offer you may be entitled to 15 hours Early Learning for 2 year olds if you receive any of the following;
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
If you are not eligible for the working parent offer or 15 hours Early Learning for 2 year olds, then you will still receive the 15 hour entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds from the term after your child turns 3 until they start school, irrespective of your income level, benefit status, or family circumstances.
You can use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare whilst claiming your 15 or 30 hours of childcare support.
To find out what funding you are eligible for go to Best Start in Life