Search all content on GOV.UK

Finding childcare, financial support for childcare and childcare for school-age children

• Updated: 20 May 2026

If you get Tax-Free Childcare or Free Childcare for Working Parents, sign in to confirm your details are up to date, pay money in or apply for an additional child.

If you live in England and work you may be able to get free childcare for a child aged 9 months to 4 years old. Check if you're eligible and how and when to apply.

• Overview

  You may be able to get 30 hours of free childcare a week through the Free…

• What you'll get

  If your child is aged 9 months to 4 years old You can get 30 hours of free…

• Check if you're eligible

  The amount of free childcare you can get through Free Childcare for…

• When to apply

  Find out when to apply for 30 hours of free childcare. Check with your…

• Apply for free childcare

  Use this service to apply for Free Childcare for Working Parents if you…

• After you’ve applied

  You’ll usually find out if you’re eligible: immediately after applying…

• Sign in to confirm your details are up to date

  To keep getting Free Childcare for Working Parents you must sign in to…

Help with the cost of paying for approved childcare - Tax-Free Childcare, 15 and 30 hours childcare, childcare vouchers, Learner Support.

What Tax-Free Childcare is, who can get it and how to apply.

Check what help you could get with childcare through Tax-Free Childcare, Free Childcare for Working Parents and free education and childcare for 2 to 4-year-olds.

If you pay for childcare while you go to work, Universal Credit can pay some of your childcare costs.

• Updated: 6 April 2026

Includes giving birth, fostering, adopting, benefits for children, childcare and schools

• Updated: 15 July 2015

How to find childcare, get help paying for it and what to do if your circumstances change.

Childcare arrangements for all ages and early years provision for children who are 5 years of age or younger.

• Updated: 11 December 2025