There are several different entitlements available for parents in England, which have different eligibility criteria. These are set out below.
| Entitlement | Child's age | Eligibility | What you can receive | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working parents entitlement | From the term after they turn 9 months until they start school | For working parents - explained here | 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year. Can be combined with the universal entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds to make up 30 hours. |
Speak to your chosen childcare provider about if they can offer a place. You apply online here on Gov.uk. Applications for children aged from 9 months open on 12 May, 2024. |
| For parents of 2 year olds receiving some additional forms of government support | From the term after they turn 2 years old | Explained here | 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year. | Speak to your chosen childcare provider about if they can offer a place. Speak to your local authority about free childcare places for eligible two year olds. You may be able to find advice online on your local authority's website. |
| Universal entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds | From the term after they turn 3 years old through to starting school | All 3- and 4-year-olds are eligible | 15 hours per week over 38 weeks of the year. Can be combined with the working parents entitlement to make up 30 hours. | Speak to your chosen childcare provider about if they can offer a place, and take them your child’s birth certificate. |
Your provider may agree to ‘stretch’ your entitlement by using fewer hours over more than 38 weeks per year.Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.
It is not possible to use more than 15 hours (or 30, if your child is 3 or 4) in a week, but you don’t have to use your full entitlement if you don’t want to.
When can I use the entitlements from?
You can start using your entitlements from the term after your child turns the relevant age to use that entitlement. The relevant age for the working parent entitlement is 9 months old.
| When your child turns the relevant age | When they can get their hours from | ||
| 1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | ||
| 1 April to 31 August (Applications open 12 May in 2024 as part of transitional arrangements) |
Term starting on or after 1 September | ||
| 1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | ||
You are only able to claim the entitlements from the term after they become the relevant age because this gives local authorities and childcare providers enough time to prepare. If you’re not working when your child turns the relevant age for the working parent entitlement, you may have to wait until the term after you start working to be eligible.
How do I apply for the working parents entitlement?
You apply online here on Gov.uk.
You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:
- your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are selfemployed).
- the date you started or are due to start work.
- details of any government support or benefits you receive.
- the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child.
For children from 9 months old (aged between 9- and 23-months old on 31st August) parents can apply from 12 May to receive 15 hours childcare starting from September 2024. We have ensured the HMRC helplines will be open on 12 May if you choose to apply then and experience any difficulties.
If you are a foster carer, there is a separate application process. Speak to your social worker to find out more.
When do I need to apply?
We recommend you contact your chosen provider as early as possible to secure your place.
You will be able to take up your free hours from the term after you meet all the eligibility criteria for the entitlement you are applying for. These terms begin on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September.
You need to apply on Gov.uk before the deadline to receive a code for free childcare to give to your childcare provider. The deadline is the day before the new term begins, but we encourage you to apply earlier, and recommend applying at least 6 weeks before the deadline. Some providers may ask for codes before the deadline, so we recommend you speak to your provider to find out if this is the case. The deadlines are:
| When you would like to use your entitlements from | The deadline to apply for a code | ||
| 1 January | 31 December | ||
| 1 April | 31 March | ||
| 1 September | 31 August | ||
If you do not apply by the deadline, you will not be able to take up your entitlements in that term.
For more information use the link https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/childcare-entitlements-frequently-asked-questions-parents
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