Free Childcare for Working Parents: Maximise your Entitlement this 2025
- Jerelyn Aglibao
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18
Balancing work, home, and caring for a young child is tough and expensive. The latest UK government expansion offers up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years, starting September 2025. That's potentially thousands saved annually!
In this blog, we'll guide you through the eligibility criteria, application process, and how to manage the financial relief effectively.
Who Qualifies for Free Childcare?
By Age
9 Months to 2 Years: Currently eligible for 15 hours per week (38 weeks a year), increasing to 30 hours per week from September 2025
3 to 4 years: Already entitled to 30 hours per week for 38 weeks.
Working Status
You (and your partner, if applicable) must be working or on:
Sick Leave
Annual Leave
Shared parental, maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.
If you're not currently working, you may still qualify if you receive benefits like Carer's Allowance, ESA, or on certain disability support.
Income Requirements
For those aged 21+ (and partner): £2,539 every 3 months (approx. £195/week)
Ages 18 to 20: £2,080 (£160/week)
Under 18 or apprentices: £1,570 (£120/week)
Self-employed individuals starting within the last 12 months may have lower thresholds.
Immigration Status
You (and your partner) must have a National Insurance Number, and one of the following:
British or Irish Citizenship
Settled or pre-settled status (or applied and awaiting decision)
Permission to access public funds
What does the Scheme Provide?
9 months to 2 years: Currently up to 15 hours/week; rising to 30 hours/week from September 2025.
2 to 3 years (with extra support): Combines 15 hours for working parents + 15 extra hours for support (like Universal Credit or special needs), totaling 30 hours/week.
3 to 4 years: Standard entitlement for 30 hours/week for 38 weeks.
You may be able to stretch these hours over more than 38 weeks - check with your provider.
Child’s Age | Current Offer | From September 2025 |
9 months – 2 years | 15 hrs/week (38 wks) | 30 hrs/week (38 wks) |
2 – 3 years (extra support) | N/A | 30 hrs/week (15 working + 15 support) |
3 – 4 years | 30 hrs/week (38 wks) | Remains 30 hrs/week |
Note: Some providers may charge for meals, nappies, or trips, but core hours must remain free and registration or top-up fees are not allowed.
Application Process & Key Deadlines
Apply from: When your child is 23 weeks old.
Important deadlines for 2025 rollout:
Apply by 31 August to access 30 hours from September.
Once approved, you'll receive an 11-digit code via your childcare account. Share this with your provider.
Reconfirm every 3 months via your childcare account to keep code active.
What's not covered?
Meals, nappies, additional hours or activities, and registration or top-up fees are not covered. These should be mandatory; discuss them with your provider if needed.
Final Thoughts
The expanded childcare scheme is a valuable lifeline for working parents, but deadlines are crucial. Remember to apply before 31 August 2025, secure your 11-digit code, and keep it active with reconfirmations every three months. Missing a deadline could cost you hundreds of pounds in lost support.
RELATED READINGS:
