Early Learning for 2 year olds
The government's name for 15 funded hours a week for 2-year-olds in families on certain benefits or with extra needs
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
Families can get 15 hours a week for 38 weeks from the term after their child’s 2nd birthday if they get certain benefits, including Universal Credit with take-home pay of £15,400 a year or less (not counting benefits), Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Children also qualify if they have an EHC plan, get Disability Living Allowance, are looked after by the council or have left care. You apply through your council, not HMRC. Read our guide to 15 hours for 2-year-olds.