How many hours do i need to work to get 15 hour funding?

umbrellabird

Hi all! My dd is 2 yrs old (3yr next month). She will be starting nursery very soon and i went back to work recently as i read that working parents can get 15 hours free childcare.
I work 2 days per week (16hrs - £183) 
so my question is do i HAVE to work 16hrs? Or can i work 15 hrs?
My partner works full time.
thankyou

peteuk

It is based on 16 hrs a week at the National minimum wage/living wage, so depends in your age and NMW.  However with your partner working full time then this will also count.

In theory you could work 15 hrs if your wage was higher than the NMW and your pre tax income is greater than 16 hrs NMW.

sheramber

Each of you must meet the income requirements


https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

Your income

Over the next 3 months you and your partner (if you have one) must each expect to earn at least:

• £2,379 if you’re aged 21 or over
• £1,788 if you’re aged 18 to 20
• £1,331 if you’re under 18 or an apprentice

This is the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.