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Working parent two-year-old funding

2-year-old funding for Working families 

Eligible working families may be entitled to 15 hours a week funding for their 2-year-old. From September 2025 this will increase to 30 hours. This would start from the term after they turn 2 years old.  This is known as the Working parents’ entitlement.  

Apply for free childcare if you're working
When your child is 2 years old When you can get your funded hours from When to apply
1 September to 31 December Term starting on or after 1 January The term before 1 January
1 January to 31 March Term starting on or after 1 April The term before 1 April
1 April to 31 August Term starting on or after 1 September The term before 1 September

From September 2025, eligible working parents of children under the age of five-years-old will be entitled to up to 30 hours a week funded childcare. 

Both parents or lone parent need to: 

  • be working the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage 
  • expect to earn at least:  
  • £61.92 a week if you’re under 18 
  • £84.80 a week if you’re aged 18-20  
  • £52.80 a week if you’re an apprentice. This applies if you are under 19, or in the first year of your apprenticeship. 

They must also: 

  • live in England 
  • expect to have income of less than £100,000 each a year 
Find further information on eligibility and details on how to apply

Contact Family Information Service