This guide explains it all clearly:
- What Tax-Free Childcare is
- What the “30 free hours” actually are
- Who can get them
- When to apply
- And where to apply (with links)
The Two Schemes Every Working Parent Should Know
1. Free Childcare Hours (“30 Hours”)
This is government-funded childcare you don’t have to pay for.
What it is
Up to 30 hours per week For children aged 9 months up to school age. You must use an approved childcare provider and it’s only available in England.
What “30 hours” really means
It’s usually 30 hours during term time (38 weeks per year) Some nurseries “stretch” it across the year (for example fewer hours weekly but all year round)
2. Tax-Free Childcare
This is a payment account where the government tops up what you pay for childcare.
How it works
For every £8 you pay, the government adds £2 Up to £500 every 3 months per child (max £2,000/year) Works for children under 12
Think of it as cashback for childcare.
Who Is Eligible? (Quick Checklist)
You can usually get free hours and/or Tax-Free Childcare if:
- You’re working (or starting a job soon)
- Each parent earns at least a minimum amount (roughly equal to 16 hours/week at minimum wage)
- Neither parent earns over £100,000 per year
- You live in England
Applications and eligibility checks are handled through GOV.UK and administered by HM Revenue and Customs.
When to Apply (Updated Deadlines Parents MUST Know)
Timing is everything with funded childcare, apply too late and you could miss a whole term of support.
Rule #1: You can apply for free childcare from when your baby is 23 weeks old, but the funding only starts once your child turns 9 months old.
Rule #2: Free childcare funding always starts at the beginning of the next term after your child reaches 9 months. The school terms in England are:
- Spring term: January
- Summer term: April
- Autumn term: September
Rule #3: You must apply before the deadline for that term, otherwise you wait until the next one.
Apply early, processing can take time, especially close to deadlines.
Quick Cheat Sheet
If your child turns 9 months between September and December:
Funded childcare starts 1 January Latest date to apply: 31 December
If your child turns 9 months between January and March:
Funded childcare starts 1 April Latest date to apply: 31 March
If your child turns 9 months between April and August:
Funded childcare starts 1 September Latest date to apply: 31 August
Example:
Your baby turns 9 months on 15 October → funding starts 1 January, so apply by 31 December. Miss it? You’ll have to wait until April.
Tip for Returning-to-Work Parents
Think about your return-to-work date too, you want your funded childcare to start when you need it, not after. A simple rule: apply 6–8 weeks before the term your child will attend nursery. Always reconfirm your code every 3 months so funding keeps going.
How To Apply (It’s One Application for Both)
You apply online once, and the system checks which schemes you qualify for.
If approved, you’ll receive an eligibility code for funded hours access to your Tax-Free Childcare account (if eligible). Give your code to your childcare provider and they’ll apply the funding.
Don’t Skip This Step (Seriously)
Every 3 months you must log in and confirm your details. If you don’t, your code expires funding stops.
Set a calendar reminder immediately after applying. Future-you will be grateful.
Use This Calculator Before You Apply
This official calculator tells you what help you qualify for how much you could get which scheme is best for you.
Can You Use Both Schemes Together?
Yes, many parents do.
Typical setup:
Free hours cover core nursery sessions Tax-Free Childcare pays for extra hours or additional days
You just can’t use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as Universal Credit childcare support.
Quick Cheat Sheet for Busy Parents
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You’re working (or returning to work soon) Your child is 9 months or older Income falls within the required range
Step 2: Apply Online
Apply before the deadline for your child’s 9-month birthday:
Birthday Sept–Dec → by 31 Dec (starts Jan) Birthday Jan–Mar → by 31 Mar (starts Apr) Birthday Apr–Aug → by 31 Aug (starts Sept)
Plan around your return-to-work date so funding starts when you actually need childcare
Step 3: Receive Eligibility Code
Give your 11-digit code to your childcare provider They’ll apply your free hours
Step 4: Set Up Tax-Free Childcare Account
Use it for extra hours or additional childcare costs Government tops up £2 for every £8 you pay
Step 5: Reconfirm Eligibility
Must reconfirm every 3 months or funding stops
The Bottom Line
If you’re heading back to work after maternity leave, these schemes can save you thousands per year, but only if you apply early and keep your details updated.
Think of it this way: the government won’t pack the nappy bag for you… but they will help pay the nursery bill.
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