Are you a parent who cannot afford childcare for your child? Would you like to know how you can receive 30 hours of free childcare even if you do not work? Even if only one parent works, there is a way to get 30 hours of free childcare.
The UK government offers 30 hours of free childcare to families with both parents working. However, many mothers do not work during the first five years after the birth of their children in order to devote their time to childcare. Perhaps you are wondering if you are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare even if only one parent works.
Are there any ways for non-working parents to get 30 hours of free childcare?
Yes, this is possible. There are two options:
First Option:
The first option is as mentioned on the UK government’s website. According to the government website, it is possible that you may still qualify if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Incapacity Benefit,
- Severe Disablement Allowance,
- Carer’s Allowance or
- contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.
Second Option:
The second option is applicable to everyone!
When you declare yourself as a self-employed person, regardless of whether you earn a living, you will be considered a working person. The rules are only valid for the first year after registering as a self-employed individual. Then, if your partner is in full-time employment, you can apply for 30 hours of free childcare. You should register yourself as a self-employed individual only before your child turns three years old. In this way, you would be able to receive the funded 30 hours of free childcare throughout the entire year (prior to the child’s fourth birthday). Apparently, children can access reception for free when they turn 4 years old.
This option is also mentioned on the government website, but may not seem obvious to many people. It is important to note that you may declare yourself as self-employed even if you have never worked previously or plan to work in the future. Government considers you employed within the first year of declaring and does not expect you to earn any income. If your child is turning three soon, please visit the UK government website to set up as a sole trader. The UK government requires you to inform HMRC that you pay your tax through Self Assessment. Every year, you will be required to file a tax return. Sounds interesting. You can read more about how to Register as a Self-Employed or Sole Trader in 2023 in this post.
I hope this information is helpful. That may motivate parents who are not working to get started and begin searching for a job. Should you have any questions, write them as comments below.
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