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Childcare Funding Checker
Check your eligibility for funded childcare hours and Tax-Free Childcare in England.
England rules. This checker covers childcare funding schemes in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different arrangements. Tax-Free Childcare is available UK-wide.
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Where do you live?
Childcare funding rules vary across the UK.
Different rules apply. This checker focuses on England's funded hours schemes. However, you can still check Tax-Free Childcare eligibility, which is available UK-wide.
Estimate only: This tool provides an estimate based on your answers and publicly available guidance. Eligibility can change and depends on individual circumstances. Always confirm via official services (childcarechoices.gov.uk) before making decisions.
Common Questions
When do free childcare hours start?
Free childcare hours start from the term after your child reaches the qualifying age. Term start dates in England are 1 January, 1 April, and 1 September each year. If your child reaches the qualifying age on a term start date, they start the following term.
What does "term after" mean for childcare funding?
Your child becomes eligible from the start of the next school term after they reach the qualifying age. For example, if your child turns 9 months in February, they would be eligible from 1 April. If they turn 9 months on 1 April itself, they would be eligible from 1 September.
Can I get Tax-Free Childcare and funded hours together?
In many cases, yes. You can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for additional childcare hours beyond your funded entitlement, or to cover costs like meals, trips and extras that aren't covered by funded hours.
What is the £100,000 income limit?
If you or your partner expect to earn £100,000 or more in adjusted net income this tax year, you won't qualify for the working parent childcare schemes (15/30 hours) or Tax-Free Childcare. The limit applies per person, not household.
When can I apply for free childcare hours?
For the working parent scheme, you can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old. Applications are made through your Government Gateway account.