Families are being encouraged to verify their eligibility for up to 30 hours of complimentary childcare weekly before an approaching deadline. The application deadline to secure funding for September is August 31. The Department for Education (DfE) states that qualifying families could potentially save £7,500 annually through the free childcare initiative.
Currently, working parents of nine-month-old children can access 15 hours of free childcare per week, which will increase to 30 hours weekly starting in September. To qualify for free childcare for children aged nine months to two years, parents must earn the national minimum wage for 16 hours per week on average and have an annual income below £100,000. This criterion applies to both parents in a couple. All parents of three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare weekly, irrespective of their employment status.
Parents meeting the earnings criteria can claim the full 30 hours of free childcare for children within the specified age range. Typically, the free childcare hours cover 38 weeks to coincide with term time, but parents have the option to spread the hours across a longer period by using fewer hours each week.
The free childcare must be utilized with a registered childcare provider, such as private nurseries or state-run pre-schools. The eligibility rules mentioned apply specifically to England, while Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have separate free childcare systems.
To register for free childcare, individuals must apply through GOV.UK using their National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference if self-employed. Additionally, applicants need the UK birth certificate reference number for the children being enrolled and information on their work start date.
Married couples, civil partners, or cohabiting partners must include their significant other in the application process. Once approved, applicants will receive a code to provide to their chosen childcare provider, with HMRC verifying eligibility through PAYE records.
Early Education Minister Stephen Morgan emphasized the significance of the expanded funded childcare, aiming to assist families in saving money, pursuing preferred job opportunities, and providing children with quality early education. Families are encouraged to visit the Childcare Choices website before the August 31 deadline to explore their entitlements.
