Funded Entitlements
Working parents may be able to get 15 hours per week of funded childcare for a child 9 months to 4 years old.
- 15 hours Working parent entitlement if your child's age is from the term after they turn 9 months until they start school -Check eligibility explained on the government website
You may be able to get funded childcare if you have a 2‑year‑old and meet certain eligibility criteria.
- 15 hours for parents of 2‑year‑olds receiving some forms of additional government support, which can include specific benefits, support linked to your child’s needs, or certain care arrangements. Your child can start from the term after they turn 2 - Check eligibility explained on the government website
All 3 and 4 year olds in England are also entitled to 15 hours of funded early education or childcare per week.
- 15 hours for Universal entitlement for 3 and 4-year-olds if your child's age is from the term after they turn 3-years old until they start school - All 3 and 4-year-olds are eligible for the universal element of the entitlement
From September 2025, the working parent entitlement for children aged from 9 months up to 3 years is expanding to 30 hours. For further information visit Best Start in Life
Funding entitlement start dates
When your child turns the relevant age:
- 1 January to 31 March they can get their hours from - Term starting on or after 1 April
- 1 April to 31 August they can get their hours from - Term starting on or after 1 September
- 1 September to 31 December they can get their hours from - Term starting on or after 1 January
When to apply
For the working parent entitlement for children aged 9 months to 4 years, you can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old.
Apply by:
- 31 August to get your childcare code to use from the 1 September
- 31 December to get your childcare code to use from the 1 January
- 31 March to get your childcare code to use from 1 April
We would encourage you to apply at least 4 weeks before the deadline to help avoid delays.
How to apply
For the working parent entitlement, you will need to apply for a code online.
You’ll need your National Insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if self employed), the date you started or are due to start work, details of any government support or benefits you receive, and your child’s UK birth certificate reference number (if available)
Apply for funded childcare if you're working
Some providers might only deliver funded childcare hours on certain days or at specific times. Check that their hours work for you.
You must check or update your details every 3 months to keep getting your childcare hours. You’ll get a reminder when it’s time.