Am I eligible for 30 hours free childcare?

[JadeMango]

I am looking to increase my contract to 16 hours per week. My partner is not in work and receives Limited capability for work and work-related activity in ‘no work related activity’ due to his schizophrenia. I have read online that I would still be eligible - but is it future income that is taken into account or would you need to prove you’ve worked 16 hours p/w for 3 months previous? My daughter is already 3 (May birthday), so I’m guessing if I was eligible it would start the following term? Thank you for any guidance in advance

I thought it was both partners working? Or does his disability count?

If your daughter is free, then she is entitled to pre school education for 30 hours a week, term time only. It’s not about your entitlement to childcare it about her entitlement to pre school, so whether you’re working or not is irrelevant.

I meant if your daughter is three!

@NailsNeedDoing

If your daughter is free, then she is entitled to pre school education for 30 hours a week, term time only. It’s not about your entitlement to childcare it about her entitlement to pre school, so whether you’re working or not is irrelevant.

That's not the case in England - if one or more partner doesn't work the child gets 15 hours. The 30 hours term time is only for 2 working parents, or one working parent plus one parent on:

1. mat/parental/adoption leave; or
2. On sick leave from work; or
3. Receiving Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, or Carer's Allowance; or
4. Receiving contributions-based ESA

OP - has your DP worked enough in the last year or two to claim contributions-based ESA (rather than income-based)? Or does he get IB/SDA (I would guess not but just in case)? If not, unfortunately you'll only be entitled to 15 hours until he gets a job.

www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare

He was on SDA when on ESA, but now it’s Universal Credit so I am not sure 🤔

Apologies, I didn’t realise not all children got it, I have misunderstood. All 3 year olds should be eligible!!

She'd be eligible from January if you applied now.

I was going to post a very similar query. Basically whether the eligibility is based on past 3 months earnings or future? My DS is 3 now and I currently work 12 hours week . My hours will increase to 16 in January and I hope DS will then be eligible for 30 hours as my work is spread out over several days. I looked on the gov link and it says

"You’ll need to expect to earn a certain amount over the next 3 months. This is at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.

For example, over the next 3 months you expect to earn at least £1,853.28 - the National Living Wage for people over 23." I

I think the key word is to 'expect' to earn , so hopefully with your increase in hours your little girl will be eligible from January if you apply now.