When are children entitled to funding?

Two-Year-Old Children

A child will be entitled to the funding from the start of the next funding period after their second birthday if the child or parent meets the eligibility criteria. Two-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours of funded early year’s provision if they receive:

 

• Income Support

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

·         Universal Credit - if you and your partner have a combined income from work of less than £15,400 a year after tax

• tax credits and you have an annual income of under £16,190 before tax

• the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

• support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act

• the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

A child can also get free early education and childcare if any of the following apply:

·         they’re looked after by a local council

·         they have a current statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education, health and care (EHC) plan

·         they get Disability Living Allowance

·         they’ve left care under a special guardianship order; child arrangements order or adoption order.

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From the 1st September 2025 families may also be eligible for extended 15 hours funding which would be 30 hours per week. for more information see gov website