How many free childcare hours can I get in 2026?
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In short: In England, all 3–4 year-olds get 15 hours free in term time. Working parents can claim 30 hours a week from 9 months to school age if each parent earns £196+ a week and under £100,000 adjusted net income.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Apply for an eligibility code on gov.uk/childcare-choices before each term and give it to your registered provider. Reconfirm every three months.
Tax-Free Childcare adds a 20% top-up on private payments — up to £2,000 per child per year — and can sit alongside funded hours for extra sessions or wraparound care.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different funded-hours schemes. See our 30 hours free childcare guide and Tax-Free Childcare eligibility checker.
Primary source: gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare
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