Thousands of working parents in England are being reminded to claim their free childcare hours before the scheme expands further this September. Under current rules, parents of nine-month-olds and two-year-olds can access 15 hours of free childcare per week if they meet earnings criteria, rising to 30 hours from September 2025.
To qualify, parents must be in work and earning at least the national minimum wage for 16 hours a week on average, but less than £100,000 a year. This applies to both parents in a couple. All three- and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 free hours regardless of parental employment, with working parents able to claim up to 30 hours.
Free hours are typically taken over 38 weeks during term time, but can be spread across more weeks using fewer hours. They must be used with a registered childcare provider such as a private nursery or state-run pre-school. Applications are made via GOV.UK using a National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference for the self-employed.
Parents can also benefit from tax-free childcare, receiving up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for disabled children). For every £8 paid into an online account, the government adds £2. This must be spent on registered childcare, and applicants must meet the same earnings threshold.
Anita Naik, savings expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: “Lots of parents don’t realise they’re missing out on helpful government support. If your child is over nine months old, you may be entitled to claim 15 hours a week of funded childcare.”
