Childcare funding and support available in Essex
Funded Early Education Entitlement (FEEE)
FEEE is for eligible working families from the term after a child turns 9-months-old until statutory school age. The number of FEEE hours that working families are eligible for depends on the age of their child and their circumstances.
Currently, eligible working parents/carers can access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week the term after their child is 9 months old, or 1140 hours if accessed all year round.
Families who are in receipt of additional government support may be able to access up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week the term after their child is 2 years old, or 570 hours if accessed all year round. For more information, please visit the Best Start in Life website.
Families of three and four-year-olds are able to access 30 hours, as FEEE is also available for all children from the term after their third birthday. A parent/carer can access 30 hours of FEEE entitlement directly with their chosen provider.
To find more information about FEEE and the eligibility criteria please visit the Family Information Service on the Essex County Council website.
Tax-Free Childcare
Working parents can receive up to £2,000 government support per child per year towards their childcare costs. Further information about the scheme can be found on the Best Start in Life website.
If eligible, you can apply for Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as funded childcare. Find more information on Tax-Free Childcare and the eligibility criteria on the government website.
Universal Credit
This is currently replacing other benefits and tax credits including: Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, and Working Tax Credit.
Find full details on Universal Credit, including eligibility, online.
