Millions of working parents across the UK are set to benefit from one of the biggest childcare reforms in recent years. From September 2025, the government has rolled out expanded support that promises up to 30 hours of free childcare each week for parents with children as young as nine months. This expansion builds on the previous entitlement, which only covered three- and four-year-olds, and aims to ease financial pressure on families struggling with rising living costs.
What the New Free Childcare Scheme Offers
The updated childcare entitlement now provides 30 hours of free childcare for working parents with children aged between nine months and four years old. Previously, only parents of three- and four-year-olds could access the full 30 hours, while younger children received a reduced 15-hour entitlement.
According to the Department for Education, this expansion is expected to save parents an average of £7,500 per year in childcare fees. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized that the scheme is about more than money – it is about giving every child the best start in life, while also supporting parents to stay in or return to work.
How and When to Apply
Applying for the scheme is straightforward but time-sensitive. Parents need to create an online childcare account through the UK Government’s official website, a process that typically takes around 20 minutes. They must provide their National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference if self-employed, along with their child’s birth certificate.
Applications can be made once a child reaches 23 weeks old. However, eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months to align with school term dates. Missing deadlines can be costly, as it may mean losing out on up to three months of free childcare. The government has set out clear timelines based on when a child turns nine months old. For example, if a child reaches nine months between September and December, parents can claim hours from January, but they must apply before the end of December. Similar cut-offs apply for the April and September terms, making it vital for parents to apply in good time.
Who Qualifies for Free Childcare?
Not every parent will automatically qualify for the new scheme. Eligibility depends on income, employment status, and immigration status. Most working parents who meet the earnings threshold will qualify, but those below the threshold may not. The minimum income requirements vary depending on age. For parents aged 21 and over, they must earn at least £2,539.68 before tax over a three-month period, which works out to around £195 per week. For those aged between 18 and 20, the threshold is £2,080 before tax, or about £160 per week. Parents under 18 or apprentices need to earn at least £1,570.40 before tax over the same period, the equivalent of £120.80 per week. For parents with fluctuating incomes, applications can be made based on expected annual average earnings rather than fixed amounts each quarter. While those not currently working are generally not entitled to the scheme, there are exceptions.
Why This Matters for Families
For many households, childcare has long been one of the biggest expenses, often forcing parents, particularly mothers, to step away from their careers. By extending free childcare to children as young as nine months, the government is easing a financial burden that has previously kept families out of work or reliant on grandparents for daily support. The new scheme could also have wider economic benefits. By allowing more parents to rejoin or remain in the workforce, businesses may see reduced staffing shortages and greater stability in recruitment. The long-term benefits could extend beyond families, helping to strengthen overall economic growth.
What Parents Should Do Next
Parents who believe they may be eligible should check the official childcare eligibility page
and apply as early as possible. Because applications must be renewed every three months and strict termly deadlines apply, leaving the process until the last minute could mean missing out on significant financial support.
This expansion represents one of the most significant childcare reforms in the UK’s history, designed to support both early childhood development and parents’ financial wellbeing. For families already struggling with the rising cost of living, the scheme could be transformative. As the government delivers on its promise, now is the time for parents to review their eligibility and secure access to this much-needed support.