Help paying for childcare

Three and four year olds

All three and four year olds in England are entitled to 570 hours of funded early education. This is often taken as 15 hours per week over 38 weeks per year.

There is an additional 15 hours of funded early education per week (a total of 30 hours) for families where both parents are working for at least 16 hours a week.

Two year olds

Two year olds may be eligible for 570 hours early education a year if:

  • their parents claim certain benefits or
  • they receive Disability Living Allowance or
  • they have left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption 

Children under 18

You can get help with childcare costs for children under 18. You might be able to apply for:

  • tax-free childcare
  • tax credits
  • Universal Credit
  • help while you study