Who gets 15 hours of free childcare and when do I apply?

Many families in the UK are eligible to receive 15 hours of free childcare for their child. This benefit is available to families with children aged 3 and 4, as well as some 2-year-olds who meet certain criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Children aged 3 and 4 are eligible for the 15 hours of free childcare the term after their third birthday.
• Some 2-year-olds are eligible if their family receives certain benefits, such as income support, universal credit, or disability living allowance.

How to Apply:

To apply for the 15 hours of free childcare, you will need to check if you meet the eligibility criteria and then apply through your local council. You can usually apply online or by filling out a form.

It’s important to apply as early as possible to ensure you receive the benefit in a timely manner. You can usually apply up to 16 weeks before your child’s third birthday.