When does free childcare start?

Start dates by birth month

Find your baby's birth month to see when the 30 hours for working parents can start.

The term rule

• Turns 9 months between 1 September and 31 December: starts 1 January. Apply by 31 December.
• Turns 9 months between 1 January and 31 March: starts 1 April. Apply by 31 March.
• Turns 9 months between 1 April and 31 August: starts 1 September. Apply by 31 August.

Your nursery or childminder sets the exact first day, and many want your code earlier than the deadline, so apply as soon as you can.

Who qualifies for the 30 hours

• You (and your partner, if you have one) each expect to earn at least £2,643.68 over the next 3 months. That's 16 hours a week at the National Living Wage if you're 21 or over.
• Neither of you has adjusted net income over £100,000.
• You reconfirm your details every 3 months to keep your code.
• There are exceptions, for example if you're on parental leave, newly self-employed, or one partner gets certain carer or disability benefits. Check GOV.UK.

What about age 2, 3 and 4?

• Working parents: the 30 hours carry on until your child starts school.
• Age 2, families on some benefits: 15 hours a week from the term after the 2nd birthday, for example if you get Universal Credit with household take-home income of £15,400 a year or less.
• Age 3 and 4, everyone: 15 hours a week (570 hours a year) from the term after the 3rd birthday, whether you work or not.

The hours are for 38 weeks a year. Some providers let you spread them over more weeks with fewer hours a week.

Want the exact dates for your baby? Get your personal timeline: enter your due date or birthday and see every deadline in order.

Sources: GOV.UK: free childcare if you're working, GOV.UK: eligibility, GOV.UK: 2-year-olds, GOV.UK: 3 to 4-year-olds. Checked 28 October 2026.