Eligibility for 2yr old

[Mumofoneandanotherontheway]

My LO is going 2 in a few months & I applied for funding with my local council today & it was unsuccessful.
We receive UC, do they look at income before tax or after tax? I think the max household income should be £15,400 or less for free 15 hours.
I would have thought it’s after tax figure, although the lady on the phone said it’s before tax.

Many thanks x

It's before tax, the amount on your p60 if you get one

If it’s marginal, and you can afford it, you could put a bit extra into a pension which may bring you below the threshold and get you the free hours.