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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

30 hours free 'childcare'

32 replies

BooseysMom · 26/06/2017 21:10

Hi, does anyone know whether you have to apply for 30 hours free childcare if you already get 15 hours? It looks like the eligibility criteria has changed as when i checked a few weeks back it said both parents have to be working at least 16 hours each (as with the 15 hours free).. But now on the Childcare Service website it says that you have to be earning on average at least £120 p/w. It doesn't mention anything about 16 hours now ..unless i'm missing something which might well be the case as i'm so bloody tired!! I have asked my employer for 2 1/2 extra hours p/w to make up to the 16 hours so now according to the new rules i won't need these hours.
Any advice gratefully received.
Thank you x

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StealthPolarBear · 28/06/2017 17:52

Really? So aren't most eligible? We certainly would be, other than the lack of child of the right age :o

HelenaJustina · 28/06/2017 17:13

You have to be earning the equivalent of 16 hours/per week at minimum wage or above, up to a ceiling of £100k. Both parents must meet the minimum requirements but if one parent tips above the upper threshold then you are no longer eligible.

The website is okay, just make sure you have all the information to hand, it is taking parents at our setting 20-25 minutes to complete.

BoraThirch · 28/06/2017 17:04

I have just applied for it and it just asks if you earn between £120 a week and £100k a year, no question about actual hours.

StealthPolarBear · 28/06/2017 17:01

What families on just under 200k get it?? Surely qoulf be cheaper to be univeraal

Mycarsmellsoflavender · 28/06/2017 16:57

I noticed it had changed too. I don't know why - surely it makes more sense to give it to low paid parents, rather than hypothetically 2 high paid parents who each work part time?

Original poster
BooseysMom · 27/06/2017 14:32

Hi Snap, thanks for replying. I'll check it out

OP posts:
Snap8TheCat · 27/06/2017 13:52

The universal 15 hours is to all three and four year olds.

The additional 15 hours and does have to be applied for. The criteria is each parent works 16 hours at minimum wage or above up until £100,000 per year per parent.

Check out the childcare choices website.

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