9 to 23 months old
Working parents with children aged 9 to 23 months may get 15 hours of childcare a week. This will increase to 30 hours from September 2025. You will need to apply through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
See 9 to 23 month old childcare funding.
2 year olds
Parents of 2 year olds receiving some form of government support may get 15 hours of childcare a week. You will need to apply through us. This includes working parents who receive government support.
See 2 year old childcare funding: government support
Working parents of 2 year olds who do not receive government support may also get 15 hours of childcare a week. This will increase to 30 hours from September 2025. You will need to apply though HMRC.
See 2 year old childcare funding: working parents
3 and 4 year olds
All parents of 3 and 4 year olds can get 15 hours of childcare a week.
Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds may get an extra 15 hours, totalling 30 hours. You will need to apply though HMRC.
See 3 and 4 year old childcare funding.
0 to 16 year olds: Extra childcare savings for working parents
Working parents can use one of these schemes to pay for extra childcare hours or services.
- Tax-Free Childcare on GOV.UK
- Universal Credit childcare costs on GOV.UK (if you claim Universal Credit
Parents with a child under 5, can get this in addition to 15 or 30 hours.
Students
Students can receive help with childcare costs. This support comes from the government, their school, college, university, or training provider.
See Help with childcare costs while you study.
Childcare vouchers and directly contracted childcare
'Childcare Vouchers' and 'Directly Contracted Childcare' are no longer accepting new applicants. If you joined one of these schemes before and need support, see Help paying for childcare: Childcare vouchers and other employer schemes on GOV.UK.
Help to identify what you can get and when
Fill out a short form on the Childcare Choices website. This will show which childcare schemes you can access now and in the future. You can also sign up for updates on how and when to apply for childcare costs support.
Find childcare that fits your needs
See our guide to Childcare options for under 5's.
It includes information on:
- the different types of childcare providers
- key points before securing childcare
- childcare and funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)