Use the GOV.UK website
Apply for free childcare if you’re working
If you live in England, use this service to apply for a code to get free childcare. You’ll need to set up a childcare account.
When to apply
You can apply from when your child is:
1 year and 36 weeks for 15 hours free childcare
2 years and 36 weeks for 30 hours free childcare
Your child’s birthday When they can get their hours from Recommended time to apply
1 September to 31 December Term starting on or after 1 January 15 October to 30 November
1 January to 31 March Term starting on or after 1 April 15 January to 28 February
1 April to 31 August Term starting on or after 1 September 15 June to 31 July.
You can apply outside of these recommended dates but you might not receive your code in time. You must have a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts.
Check with your childcare provider to find out the exact date your free childcare starts.
How you can use your free childcare
If your child is 2 years old, you may be able to get 15 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time).
If your child is 3 to 4 years old, you may be able to get 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time).
You may be able to get free childcare for 52 weeks if you use less than your entitlement per week. Check with your childcare provider to find out if this is something they offer.
18th April 2023
