2-Year-Old Funding – Information & How to Apply

There are two types of funded childcare available for 2-year-olds. Both offer up to 15 hours per week of free early education during term time (38 weeks per year). However, eligibility depends on your family’s circumstances.

1. Funded Childcare for Families on Low Income or Benefits (Means-Tested)

You may be eligible if you receive one of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Universal Credit (with household income under £15,400 after tax)

• Tax Credits (with income under £16,190 before tax)

• The Working Tax Credit 4-week run-on

• Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act

• The child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• The child has an EHC (Education, Health and Care) Plan

• The child is looked after by the local authority or has left care through adoption or special guardianship

  Apply through your local council.
  For Hillingdon residents: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/freechildcare

2. Working Families Funding 

From April 2024, working parents of 2-year-olds may also qualify for 15 funded hours if:

• You (and your partner, if applicable) are working

• Each of you earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at minimum wage

• You each earn under £100,000 per year

  Apply through the Childcare Choices website:
  www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

  Once approved, you’ll receive an 11-digit code — send this to our office along with your child’s details.