Parents of children from 9 months old can now apply to access government-funded childcare from September 2024
From Sunday, 12 May 2024, eligible working parents of children who will be nine months old by 31st August can apply to access 15 hours of funded childcare a week. This scheme is set to benefit hundreds of thousands of families across the country, but with limited spaces available, parents need to act now!
From September 2024, working parents in England can access 15 hours of free childcare per week for children aged nine months to three years old, in addition to the existing 30 hours for three and four-year-olds. This new policy aims to support families with the rising cost of living and make it easier for parents to return to work.
To be eligible, both parents must be working at least 16 hours per week at the national living wage and earn less than £100,000 annually. The free hours can be split across two sites, allowing for flexibility in childcare arrangements.
How to Apply
Parents can apply for the free childcare hours through the government's childcare service website or by calling the helpline on 0300 123 4097.
They will need to provide details such as their National Insurance number, employment details, and their child's date of birth.
The government estimates that nearly 1 million families could benefit from this expanded childcare offer, saving them up to £6,500 per year. However, concerns have been raised about the availability of childcare places and the ability of providers to meet the increased demand.
It's important to note that the free childcare hours are term-time only (38 weeks), but providers may stretch them across more weeks, reducing the weekly hours. Parents must apply and obtain a code to give to their childcare provider to access the free hours.
The eligibility requirements for free childcare in the UK vary based on the child's age and the parents' work and income status. Here are the key details:
15 Hours Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds (from April 2024)
Both parents must be working at least 16 hours per week at the national living wage
Each parent must earn less than £100,000 annually
The child must be aged 2 or turning 2 before the start of the term
15 Hours Free Childcare for 3 and 4-Year-Olds (Universal Entitlement)
Available to all 3 and 4-year-olds, regardless of parents' work or income status
30 Hours Free Childcare for 3 and 4-Year-Olds (Working Parents)
Both parents must be working at least 16 hours per week at the national living wage
Each parent must earn less than £100,000 annually
The child must be aged 3 or 4
Additionally, some low-income families receiving certain benefits, like Income Support or Universal Credit, can access 15 hours of free childcare for 2-year-olds, even if they are not working.
To apply for free childcare in the UK, you will typically need to provide the following documents:
Your National Insurance number
Your partner's National Insurance number (if applicable)
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you are self-employed
Your child's birth certificate reference number (if you have one)
Proof of your employment status and income, such as:
Wage slips
Bank statements
Statement from your accountant
Copies of invoices
Annual wage slips or year-end payroll (if you are not paid regularly)
Additionally, if you are a company director, you may need to provide evidence to show that you meet the minimum income requirements, such as:
Wage slips
Bank statements
A statement from your accountant
Copies of invoices
If you are separated or divorced, you and your ex-partner need to decide who should apply for the free childcare. If you cannot agree, you both must apply separately, and HMRC will decide who gets the childcare code.
It's important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as your employment status, income, and family situation. The government website provides detailed information on the required documents for different scenarios.
These schemes are only available to families living in England, although a similar government scheme is available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To apply for the scheme or for further information, go to the Governments website. It usually takes around 20 minutes to complete the online application. It can take up to 7 days to process the application after submission.