30 Hours Free Childcare Calculator

The UK government provides free childcare hours for children from age 9 months to school age, expanding significantly from 2024/25. From September 2025, working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years are entitled to 30 hours per week of free childcare during term time (38 weeks per year), or the equivalent stretched over more weeks at fewer hours.

All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week (the universal entitlement), regardless of parents' working status. Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds receive an additional 15 hours (30 hours total). To qualify for the working parent entitlement, both parents must earn at least £8,670 per year and neither can earn more than £100,000.

Some 2-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds qualify for 15 hours of free childcare even if parents are not working. This includes families on certain benefits, looked-after children, and children with an Education Health and Care Plan. This calculator checks your eligibility for each scheme based on your child's age and circumstances.

UK free childcare hours — major expansion. Universal: 15 hours/week (38 weeks/year) for ALL 3-4 year-olds. Working families (both earning over £166/week, neither above £100k): 15 hours from 9 months (since April 2024); 30 hours from 9 months (from September 2025). 30 hours × 38 weeks = 1,140 free hours/year per child. £15,000+ savings per family/year for double-earner households with toddlers.

Eligibility for working family hours. Each parent must earn: at least £166/week (£8,632/year — equivalent to 16 hours at NMW); NOT more than £100,000/year. Both parents working in couple households. Single parent: just the one parent's earnings count. Self-employed: same income rules apply (must demonstrate via Self Assessment or accounts). Maternity/paternity leave: still eligible if returning to work. Apply via Childcare Choices (gov.uk) every 3 months — automatic eligibility check.

Tax-Free Childcare scheme. Pay £8, government adds £2 — total £10 toward childcare (20% top-up). Maximum £2,000/year per child under 12 (£4,000 for disabled child under 17). For working parents earning over £166/week, under £100,000/year each. Doesn't combine with: Universal Credit childcare element (choose one); workplace childcare vouchers (closed to new entrants since 2018). Apply via Childcare Choices. Spend at registered providers: nursery, childminder, school clubs.

Universal Credit childcare element. 85% of childcare costs reimbursed (capped £1,031/month single child; £1,768/month for 2+). Reimbursement: in arrears — parent pays upfront, claims back. Flexible Support Fund: covers initial upfront cost. Registered providers only — informal arrangements (grandparents) don't qualify. UC childcare can combine with: free hours (15-30 hours). Cannot combine with Tax-Free Childcare same year. Lower-income families: UC element usually better; mid-income: Tax-Free Childcare often wins.

Grandparents and Specified Adult Childcare credits. Grandparents (or other family) providing childcare for grandchild under 12: can claim NI credits toward own State Pension. Eligibility: child's parent receives Child Benefit; grandparent under State Pension age. One credit per family per week. Apply via CA9176 form, backdate to April 2011. Each credit year = ~£330/year extra State Pension for life. Massively underclaimed — only 19,000 claims vs estimated 100,000+ eligible UK grandparents.