Childcare costs - what am I entitled to?

[Jdf86]

So I have 3 children - one is 3 and about to start preschool and then 1 year old twins. I am not working, my husband is. I know we can 15 hours free for my eldest but is that it? The government website is pretty confusing.

I’m assuming only one of you works if they only get 15 free hours? If so, then yes, that’s it. Things like the tax free childcare / 30 hours only kick in if you both work.

Sorry. I’ve literally just seen that you’re not working

What do you need childcare for if you’re not working?

@MiddleParking she didn't ask for advice about what she needs

Yes that's pretty much it, some settings will do a bit of a discount for twins, but that's up to them and not a legal entitlement or anything.

May be just worth reminding you that the 15 hours is term time only, so if you want your child to attend year round then it works out at about 12 hours per week

Correct. All children are entitled to funded childcare for 15h/w (term time only) starting the term after they turn 3. If they have a SAHP, that's all they get. For single working parents or couples that both work, they would get an extra 15h/w (ie 30h/w in total). You and your partner would both need to earn £617.76/month or more in order to qualify as a working parent.

Depending on your family's circumstances, you might be entitled to extra help with childcare, for example if your husband's income is low and/or if anyone in the family has a disability. If you don't want to discuss all that on here, you could contact your local citizens advice to ask them.

Thanks everyone, that's as I thought. I don't need childcare for the twins as I look after them. I'm just putting my 3 year old into preschool and some friends were telling me that I'd get the 30 hours free. It's a shame that looking after twins isn't considered a full time job, definitely harder than any employment I've been in 😂

I bet!