New help for childcare costs from April

Three young children aged between 3 and 4 sitting on a playmat. From left to right, a boy, and two girls. The girl in the middle has her arms around the other two. All smiling cheekily at the camera.

Have you checked if you are eligible for support with childcare costs?Head over to the Childcare Choices website and try out their eligibility checker to find the right offer for you.The new childcare expansion offer is starting soon. Eligible working parents will soon be able to access up to 15 hours of childcare a week during term time. Working parents with 2-year-olds can check if they are eligible now.Those with children aged from 9 months will be able to check from 12 May 2024.

From April 2024 (15 hours childcare – aged 2)

For eligible working families in England
Each parent earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours/week at national minimum wage but under £100,000 adjusted net income/year
With a 2-year-old child (turning 2 on or before March 31)
15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks
A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare providers.

From September 2024 (15 hours childcare – aged 9 to 23 months)

For eligible working families in England
Each parent earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours/week at national minimum wage but under £100,000 adjusted net income/year
With a childbetween 9 and 23 months old
15 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks
A total of 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare providers.

From September 2025 (30 hours childcare – aged 9 to 23 months)

For eligible working families in England
Each parent earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours/week at national minimum wage but under £100,000 adjusted net income/year
With a child between 9 and 23 months old
30 hours of childcare or early education for 38 weeks
A total of 1,140 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare providers.

For other options and information to support you with childcare costs visit Childcare Choices.