So confused over funded hours

[Hann376]

My child will be 9 months in June and due to start nursery in July. Am I right in thinking we’ll be eligible for 15 hours funding from September 2025 and 30 hours from January 2026?

would that be better if she started nursery in September if I push back my work date but does return to work date also affect eligibility?

also do you apply for tax free childcare and funded hours at the same time?

Following because I’m wondering the same

Yes you’re right I think. But it’s 15 hours term time, so works out to be 11 hours if you want childcare all year round. Also have to pay top ups to nursery for food etc - my DS pays £60 a month for his DC 11 hours.
Register on Gov.uk website. Sooner rather than later as it takes 3 months for the funding to be processed and then start.

Thanks! I thought you couldn’t apply until 31 days before starting work ?

Everyone who is eligible gets 30 hours from September.

Its 30hrs from 1st September if you meet the working family criteria which is both parents/carers working a minimum of 16hrs per week at the equivalent of the national minimum wage. You apply via www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

From September, if you’re entitled to early years Funding , it would be for 30 hours and I believe you can only apply for your code 30 days before your return to work