FAQs
Changes to eligibility for parents claiming Universal Credit ONLY for Free 15 hours Childcare for 2 year olds
My child turned 2 before 1stJanuary 2018…if your child turned 2 before 1stJanuary 2018 and you meet the criteria based on the old rules, (no earned income threshold looked at with families entitled to Universal Credit) they will be entitled to take up a place in the Summer Term 2018. This is regardless of when you are checked. This also means that any child who became eligible before 1st January 2018 and is alreadytaking up a place at a childcare provider will not lose their place and will continue to be funded.
My child turned/turns 2 after 1st January 2018…if yourchild turns 2 on or after 1st January 2018 and you would like to take up 15 hours free childcare at a setting in the Summer Term 2018, then the new rules for eligibility will apply. This means that for families entitled to Universal Credit, the earned income threshold will be looked at and must be under £15,400 per annum.
What if I’ve already been checked in the past and told I’m eligible but my child isn’t 2 until on/after 1st January 2018?
You will have to be re-checked as your child falls into the age bracket covered by the new rules. We will automatically re-check any applications that have already been made for children turning 2 after 1st January 2018 and contacting parents if the outcome to their application has changed, prior to their child becoming eligible to take up a place from 1st April.
I want my child to start in April but you’re not accepting any applicants for Universal Credit families at the moment. Does this mean I won’t get a place, even if I’m eligible?
No. We will be able to accept new applicants for those claiming against their Universal Credit very soon although it may be that we have to ask for paper-based evidence until the system has been upgraded. We will have time to carry out all checks before the deadline of March 31st. If you are on Universal Credit and your child is 2 between 1st January and 31st March 2018, please do not apply online but call the Free Early Education Entitlement Team on 01744 676541.
How do I apply?
The quickest and easiest way is via the link to our online system at If you are unable to access the internet for any reason, please call the Early Years Team on 01744 676541.
What do I need in order to check my eligibility and apply?
You will need your Universal Credit Statement which you can find on your online account at the end of each assessment period (monthly) or in a letter you receive. (Example attached at the end of this FAQ sheet). If you can’t find your letter, please contact the Job Centre.
How do I know if I’m eligible if on Universal Credit?
You can find out by calling us on the above number, although we may need evidence that you are in receipt of Universal Credit by providing copies of the documents listed above.
I think I am eligible to apply for free 15 hours childcare for my 2 year old,but not via Universal Credit. Can I still claim via one of the following and do this now?
- Income Support
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit/ Working Tax Credits providing you have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
- The child has a current Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- The child attracts Disability Living Allowance
- Looked after children and children who have left care through adoption orders, child arrangement or special guardianship orders
Yes. The criterion has only changed for Universal Credit claimants. All other claimants can continue applying online (or over the phone) as usual.