Last updated: 14 October 2026
What childcare help is available after maternity leave?
Working parents in England can get 30 hours a week of funded childcare during term time for children from 9 months old until they start school, after the final expansion in September 2025. Each parent must expect to earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage over the next 3 months, and no more than £100,000 adjusted net income. You apply through the Childcare Service, ideally before you return from maternity leave, and you can also get Tax-Free Childcare worth up to £2,000 per child a year.
Funded childcare in England from September 2025
| Child’s age | Working parents | Other families |
| 9 months to 2 years | 30 hours (term time) | Some 2-year-olds get 15 hours if on certain benefits |
| 3 to 4 years | 30 hours | 15 hours universal |
Applying during maternity leave
You can apply while still on maternity leave if you’re returning to work. Apply in the term before the one in which you want the place to start, ideally around 6 weeks before your return date. You’ll get a code to give to your nursery or childminder. Reconfirm every 3 months.
Earnings test for 2026/27
| Age | Minimum earnings over 3 months |
| 21 and over (NLW £12.71) | £2,643.68 |
| 18 to 20 (£10.85) | £2,256.80 |
| Under 18 (£8.00) | £1,664 |
The figures are 16 hours × the minimum wage × 13 weeks.
Example
Laura returns to work in January 2027 after maternity leave, when her son is 10 months old. She and her partner both earn under £100,000 and more than the minimum. She applies in October 2026, gets her code, and from January her son gets 30 funded hours during term time. She uses Tax-Free Childcare for the extra hours and holiday care, with the government adding £2 for every £8 she pays.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation has its own schemes: Scotland offers 1,140 hours a year for 3 and 4-year-olds and some 2-year-olds; Wales and Northern Ireland have different offers.
Universal Credit
If you’re on Universal Credit, you can claim up to 85% of childcare costs instead of Tax-Free Childcare, up to a monthly cap. You can’t use both.
£100,000 limit
If either parent’s adjusted net income is over £100,000, you lose the 30 hours and Tax-Free Childcare. A pension contribution can bring it below the limit.
Common mistakes
- Applying too late for the term you need
- Forgetting to reconfirm every 3 months
- Not checking the £100,000 limit after a bonus
- Assuming funded hours cover all costs (extras may be charged)
Records to keep
Keep your eligibility code, reconfirmation emails and childcare invoices. Providers may ask for your code each term.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get 30 hours if self-employed?
Yes, if you meet the earnings test.
Are funded hours available in holidays?
Funded hours are for 38 weeks a year, but many providers stretch them over more weeks at fewer hours a week.
Does my partner need to work?
Yes, both parents in a couple.
Do grandparents count?
Only if registered childminders.
Related: childcare tax relief, maternity pay over a year’s leave and paternity leave and pay.
Talk to Accotax
Want this handled for you? Our team at Accotax can help with childcare and family finances. See our payroll services service, or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
This page is general guidance based on HMRC rules for the 2026/27 tax year, checked against gov.uk on 14 October 2026. It is not personal advice, so speak to an accountant about your own situation.
