15 hours funded childcare for under 2's

Who can apply?

You could get up to 15 hours funded childcare if you and your partner (if you have one) work full or part time hours. You could still be eligible, even if you are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or if you are unable to work.

Check the full eligibility criteria to find out if you can claim. 

You may also be eligible if you are starting a new job. The date you start a new job or return to work will affect when you can get a free childcare.

If you’re a foster carer who works and you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for 15 hours funded childcare. You cannot use the government online application to get free childcare. Speak to your social worker if you want to apply.

When to apply

You can apply for funded childcare for under 2s 16 weeks before your child turns 9 months old. We recommend you apply no more than 3 months before you are eligible to claim.

You must apply in good time to take your eligibility code to your childcare provider before the deadline. Many parents applying for this funding will get a reply straightaway to say if they are eligible. Some parents will need to provide more information for their application.

Eligibility dates for under 2s funded childcare

Apply

Sign up, create an account and apply for funding through the GOV.UK website.

Apply now 

Reconfirm your eligibility

You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months even if you haven't started claiming.

Can you claim other funding at the same time?

If you're eligible, you can claim through other funding schemes at the same time, including:

• Tax-Free Childcare
• Universal Credit
• Tax credits

Find out which funding schemes work best for your family with the online childcare calculator.

Issues applying for funding

Find out what to do if you have any issues applying for childcare funding.

Find a childcare provider

Search our Family Information Directory for a registered or approved childcare provider. You can filter your search by those offering funded early education and childcare. 

Start now

Your chosen funded childcare must:

• be with a registered or approved childcare provider
• start from the term after your child turns 9 months old

Childcare providers include childminders, pre-schools, playgroups and nurseries.

Speak to your chosen childcare provider to book your child's place. We advise you to contact them the term before you want to use the funding to book your child's place in good time. 

Using your funded childcare

Your child can get up to 15 hours funded childcare for 38 weeks of the year. 

Some childcare providers may allow you to use your funded hours over more weeks by using fewer hours each week. Speak to your childcare provider to find out if you can spread the funding over more weeks.

Some providers may not offer 15 hours funded childcare, or they may only be able to offer limited hours. This could be due to available places or their opening times.

You can use the 15 hours at more than one childcare provider. 

The funding does not cover the cost of additional services or items and your childcare provider may charge extra for these. These could be:

• lunch
• nappies
• trips
• music classes

Even so, you must not be asked to pay a fee as a condition of taking up a 15 hours place, and must be offered alternative options such as choosing to provide your own child's lunch, for example.

Make a complaint

Find out what to do if you want to complain about your childcare provider, funding or funded childcare.

Contact us

Contact the Family Information Service for help and advice.