Free Early Education and Childcare for Two Year Olds

Your 2-year-old can get free early education and childcare if you get one of the following benefits:

• 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 £15,400 or less a year, after tax

• tax credits and you have an income of £16,190 or less a year, 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)

Or 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

If you’re eligible the free early education and childcare:

• must be with an approved childcare provider

• starts from the term after your child’s 2nd birthday

You may have to pay for extra costs like meals, nappies or trips.