If eligible, you can have up to 15 hours of 'funded early education and childcare' for 38 weeks of the year during school term time (570 hours in total).
Some childcare settings or childminders may be able to stretch the hours over school holidays so you may access fewer hours over more weeks. The hours can be split between two childcare settings or childminders.
Is my 2 year old entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare
Your child is entitled if one of the criteria in the three lists below applies:
Eligible criteria (application required)
- Tax Credits and have an annual household income of less than £16,190 before tax
- Income Support
- Universal Credit and an annual net earned income of £15,400 or less (this will be assessed on up to three of the applicants most recent Universal Credit assessment periods)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- The Working Tax Credit 4 week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Support through part 6 of The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
If one of the above applies to you, please apply here:
Eligible criteria (proof required)
Your child has left care through adoption
Your child has a Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan prepared under Section 71 of the Social Security and Contributions and Benefits Act 1992
If one of the above criteria applies to you you do not need to apply via the portal website, you will still need to send in proof of the criteria to fish@eastriding.gov.uk, you will then receive a letter from East Riding of Yorkshire Council confirming your child is entitled with a start date.
Eligible criteria (no application required)
- Your child is looked after by the Local Authority (defined under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989)
- Your child has left care through special guardianship or child arrangement order
If one of the above criteria applies to you, you do not need to apply. You should receive a letter from East Riding of Yorkshire Council confirming your child is entitled to a start date.
If you haven’t received a letter or require further information and advice, contact the FISH team:
Tel: (01482) 396469
Email: fish@eastriding.gov.uk
Additional eligibility criteria
- Children of Zambrano Carers (if they meet low-level income threshold of £15,400 or less and in receipt of universal credit)
- Children of families with no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private/family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (and meet the same criteria of economic disadvantage)
- Children of a subset of failed asylum seekers (supported under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 – ‘the 1999 Act’) - temporarily unable to leave the UK and would otherwise be destitute as such they satisfy the low-income requirements.
When can my child receive funded childcare?
The exact date you can receive funded childcare for your child depends on which term they turn 3 years old. The table below shows the term dates and when you can claim funded childcare:
Term & eligible claim dates
| Child born between: | Are eligible from: |
| 1 January and 31 March | The start of the term beginning on or following 1 April after the child's second birthday |
| 1 April and 31 August | The start of the term beginning on or following 1 September after the child's second birthday |
| 1 September and 31 December | The start of the term beginning on or following 1 January after the child's second birthday |
What if my income or circumstances change
Once you have received a letter or code confirming your child is eligible for funding it will not be withdrawn even if your income or circumstances change.
Do I need to tell anyone if I begin to receive funding?
If you are claiming help towards childcare costs through the childcare element of Working Tax Credit you need to inform HMRC by calling 0345 300 3900 as soon as possible before your child starts as you cannot claim help for funded early education and childcare.
If you delay informing HMRC you may be paid too much and will have to pay it back. You may also be liable to a penalty of up to £300 if you do not report the change within the time limit of one month. You can still claim the childcare element of Working Tax Credit for any additional childcare you pay for outside of funded early education and childcare.
Do I have to pay anything?
The funding does not cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips).
Providers may charge a fee for these additions, although you must be offered alternative options.
What happens when my child turns 3?
Your child will be entitled to 15 hours funding for 3 and 4-year-olds from the term after their third birthday until they start school. Your child may also be entitled to the extended entitlement offering an extra 15 hours per week. Read more about 30 hours funding for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds.