Free Childcare Eligibility Checker 2025
Free childcare hours have been expanded significantly since September 2024 — now covering children from 9 months old. This checker tells you exactly what you are entitled to and estimates the value of your entitlement.
Your Child & Family
Your Entitlement
Free Childcare Hours — Full Rollout from September 2024
| Age | Hours (working parents) | Hours (all families) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 months – 2 years | 15 hrs/wk | 0 |
| 2 years old | 15 hrs/wk | 15 hrs (if on qualifying benefits) |
| 3–4 years old | 30 hrs/wk | 15 hrs/wk (universal) |
Working Parent Eligibility
To qualify as a "working parent" for the expanded hours, each parent must earn at least £8,670/year (equivalent to 16 hours/week at the National Living Wage) and neither parent must earn more than £100,000/year. This applies to employed and self-employed parents.
Tax-Free Childcare — Don't Miss This Too
Tax-Free Childcare is a separate scheme from free hours. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2 — up to £500 per quarter (£2,000/year) per child, or £1,000/quarter (£4,000/year) for disabled children. Apply at childcarechoices.gov.uk. You cannot use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as Tax Credits or Universal Credit childcare element.