30 hours free childcare in England – apply by 31 December, 31 March or 31 August

Working parents in England may get 30 hours of free childcare a week for children aged 9 months to 4 years. Apply by 31 December for hours from 1 January, by 31 March for 1 April, or by 31 August for 1 September. Reconfirm your details every 3 months.

Deadline

Every year: 31 March, 31 August, 31 December

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? If you apply after the deadline for a term, your free hours start from a later term date. Remember to reconfirm your details every 3 months.

Free Childcare for Working Parents gives up to 30 hours a week for children aged 9 months to 4 years in England. You and your partner, if you have one, must be in work or about to start a job and earn over a certain amount. You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old.

How to do it

1. Check if you're eligible on GOV.UK. You'll need a National Insurance number.
2. Apply online once your child is 23 weeks old. Use the apply-by date for the term when your child turns 9 months.
3. If approved, you get an 11-digit code. Give it to your registered childcare provider.
4. Sign in to your childcare account every 3 months to confirm your details are up to date.

Common questions

When do I need to apply for 30 hours free childcare?

If your child turns 9 months between 1 September and 31 December, apply by 31 December for hours from 1 January. Between 1 January and 31 March, apply by 31 March for 1 April. Between 1 April and 31 August, apply by 31 August for 1 September.

Do I need to reconfirm my free childcare code?

Yes. You must sign in to your childcare account every 3 months to confirm your details are up to date.

Can I get free childcare in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

This scheme is for England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own childcare support.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.