Who gets 15 hours of free childcare and when do I apply?

Many families in the UK are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week for their 3 and 4-year-old children. This government-funded scheme aims to help parents with the cost of childcare and give children access to early education.

To qualify for the free childcare, your child must be 3 or 4 years old and you must be in one of the following groups:

• Working families – both parents must be working (or the sole parent is working in a lone-parent family) and each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage or living wage.
• Families receiving certain benefits – you may still be eligible if you or your partner receive support through certain benefits like Income Support, Universal Credit, Tax Credits, or Disability Living Allowance.

If you meet the criteria, you can apply for the 15 hours of free childcare through your local council. You can usually apply online through their website or by contacting them directly. It’s important to apply as soon as possible to secure your child’s place and start benefiting from the scheme.

Overall, the government-funded 15 hours of free childcare scheme aims to support working families and give children access to quality early education. If you think you may be eligible, be sure to check with your local council and start your application process today.