15 hours free childcare: who qualifies and how to claim it
There's more than one '15 hours' offer in England, which is why many parents aren't sure what they're entitled to. Below, we set out each one and who it is for.
570 hours
Universal funded hours a year for 3–4s
3 offers
Different 15-hour schemes
No code
Needed for the universal 3–4 offer
In this guide
The three types of 15 hours
Universal 15 hours: every 3- and 4-year-old in England can get 570 funded hours a year (usually 15 hours over 38 weeks), whatever their parents' income or work status.
15 hours for 2-year-olds receiving support: available if you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit with household earnings under the threshold, or if your child is looked after, has an EHC plan or receives Disability Living Allowance.
Working parent hours: eligible working families can claim funded hours from 9 months old, which now extend to 30 hours a week.
Do I need a code?
The universal 3–4 year offer doesn't need a code, simply speak to your nursery. The 2-year-old support offer is usually applied for via your local council. Working parent hours need an eligibility code from Childcare Choices.
Before you sign up
Not every provider offers every pattern of funded hours, so ask questions early.
- Which days and sessions can funded hours be used for?
- Are the hours term-time only or stretched across the year?
- What are the optional extra charges (meals, nappies, trips)?
- Is there a waiting list for funded places?
Questions parents often ask
Can I get both the universal 15 hours and working parent hours?
Yes. For 3 and 4-year-olds, eligible working families get the universal 15 hours plus 15 extra, making 30.
When can my child start the universal hours?
From the term after their third birthday: 1 January, 1 April or 1 September.
Does my nursery have to offer funded places?
No. Not every provider offers them, or every pattern of hours, so ask before you sign up.