Families are being encouraged to verify their eligibility for up to 30 hours of complimentary childcare per week before an approaching deadline. To secure funding for September, applications must be submitted by August 31. The Department for Education (DfE) asserts that qualifying families could potentially save up to £7,500 annually by utilizing the free childcare program.
Working parents with nine-month-old children currently have access to 15 hours of free childcare per week, which will increase to 30 hours weekly starting in September. To qualify for free childcare for children aged between nine months and two years, parents must earn at least the national minimum wage for 16 hours per week on average and have an annual income under £100,000.
This criterion applies to both parents in a couple. Additionally, all parents of three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week as a standard benefit, irrespective of their employment status. Eligibility for free childcare is determined based on meeting specific income criteria. The free childcare hours typically cover 38 weeks for term time but can be spread out over a longer period by using fewer hours weekly.
Free childcare hours must be utilized with registered childcare providers, such as private nurseries or state-operated pre-schools. The regulations mentioned apply to England, while separate free childcare schemes exist in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Registration for free childcare can be completed on the GOV.UK website using your National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference if self-employed.
Applicants will need the UK birth certificate reference numbers of their children and information on their work start date or anticipated start date. For married or civil partnership couples or those cohabitating as such, both partners must be included in the application. Upon approval, applicants will receive a code to give to their childcare provider, and eligibility will be verified by HMRC using PAYE records.
Early Education Minister Stephen Morgan stated, “Our Plan for Change prioritizes supporting families and fulfilling our commitments. This significant expansion of funded childcare will assist parents in saving money, pursuing their desired careers, and providing high-quality early education to more children.”
Morgan added, “Extending 30 hours of childcare to children as young as 9 months old will have a tangible impact on daily lives. We are collaborating closely with nurseries and childminders to ensure that parents can access the support they deserve. I encourage all families to visit the Childcare Choices website before the August 31 deadline.”
