THE government has launched a free 30 hours childcare initiative which will double the current 15 hour entitlement and make a big financial difference to many.
Working parents of three and four year-olds will be entitled to 30 hours free childcare, subject to eligibility, with those earning under £240 a-week as a couple or £120 a-week as a single person, set to benefit greatly from the scheme.
It is expected to help parents in work who are struggling to make ends meet after paying childcare costs, as well as those looking to get back to work but who can’t currently afford to pay for childcare.
As the initiative applies whether in paid employment, an apprentice, on a zero hours contract or self employed, the extra funding will give eligible parents an extra 570 hours per year.
This means that those who have children just entering nursery could receive 1,140 hours of free childcare between the ages of three and four.
With working families expecting to see their level of disposable income increase by as much as £500 per month, the extra cash makes treats, living expenses and day trips more manageable for parents receiving the greatest entitlement.
The scheme can be combined with other benefits, including tax credits, universal credit, childcare vouchers, grants or bursaries.
All early years childcare providers registered with Ofsted will be offering the 30 hours free care under the scheme.
Who is entitled?
The initiative applies to children who are of pre-primary school age and will be three-years-old before September, January or April.
This means those born between 1 September 2014 to 31 December 2014 can apply now for January 2018
Those born between 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2015 can apply from 16 weeks before their child turns three for April 2018 starts.
Those born between 1 April 2015 to 31 August 2015 can apply for September 2018 up to 16 weeks before their child’s third birthday.
If one parent is not in paid employment couples will only be eligible if the conditions of parental, maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave apply.
To be eligible parents must work 16 hours and earn more than £240 for couples or £120 per week for single parent families.
This applies whether in paid employment, self-employed or on a zero hours contract, or if the parent applying is an Apprentice.
An eligibility checker can be found on the government’s new Childcare Choices website: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.ukExclusions:
As with all government funding, there are restrictions and exclusions to the scheme. Parents can’t claim if the parent applying for funding is from outside the European Union and subject to immigration controls, or if a couple’s combined income is over £100,000.
How to apply:
To claim free childcare parents can apply using the government’s Childcare Choices website.
There are three application windows: September, January and April. Parents with children who turn three before one of these months should make an application in time for the next application window. Applications for the January window close in December.
Applications can be made up to 16 weeks before your child’s third birthday.
If you are eligible under the scheme you will be required to fill out a 20 minute questionnaire which looks at your level of income and whether you are living with a partner.
After applications have been processed they will be reviewed by HMRC and those qualifying will receive an 11-digit code to book their childcare place with their preferred provider.
To check eligibility and apply the government has launched the Childcare Choices website and phone line: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk or call: 0300 123 4097
