Find out if you're eligible

You can usually get funded childcare if you (or both you and your partner, if you have one) are:

  • in work or starting a new job
  • on sick leave or annual leave
  • on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave

The amount of funded childcare you can get depends on:

  • your child’s age and circumstances
  • your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
  • your immigration status

However, you'll still receive the 15 hour entitlement for all 3 and 4-year-olds from the term after your child turns 3 until they start school, whatever your income level, benefit status, or family circumstances.

For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the Best Start in Life website.