UK households can save £7,500 from today - check if you are eligible

A new government change means that thousands of parents are able to save up to a huge £7,500 on childcare. Working families are now able to have 30 hours of free childcare a week during term time for children aged between nine months and four years old. The free childcare must be provided by a registered provider, this includes a nursery, playscheme or school.

Parents can apply for the scheme from when a child is 23 weeks old. However, the funding will begin at the start of the school term. Therefore, if you were to apply now for a child of age it would be too late to recieve funding for September, but you can apply before the next term begins in January or April.

The latest move was the final phases of a three-part plan. The first phase, in April, allowed eligible working parents of two-year-olds to apply for 15 hours of free childcare. While the second phase, in September 2024, saw the 15 hours extended to eligible working parents of children aged nine months to three year olds, reports The Sun.

According to The Government, parents using the full 30 hours will save around £7,500 per year.

While most parents who have a child aged nine months to four years old will be eligible for the free childcare, there are certain requirements that make you eligible.

It depends on your circumstances, including whether or not you're working, the income you earn and your immigration status.

To be eligible, you and your partner (if you have one) must be either:

• In work or starting a new job
• On sick Leave or annual leave
• On shared parental, maternity, paternity or adopting leave

You could still be eligible if your partner is working and you're on carer's leave or get any of the following:

• Incapacity Benefit
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Limited Capability for Work Benefit
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance

There is also a certain amount you and your partner (if you have one) should expect to earn over the next three months:

• £2,539.68 before tax if you're aged 21 or over
• £2,080 before tax if you're aged between 18 to 20
• £1,570.40 before tax if you're under 18 or an apperentice

Families can apply for the free childcare via the Goverment's official website, gov.uk, where it takes around 20 minutes to complete.

You will be required to set up a childcare account and if your application is approved, you will be sent an 11-digit code that proves you're eligible to get free childcare.

You must give the code to your childcare provider.

To continue getting the free childcare hours you have to confirm your details every three months via your childcare account.