You need to be either:
- in paid work
- starting a job in the next month
If you live with a partner, you both need to be in paid work, unless your partner cannot look after your children.
It does not matter how many hours you work - there is no minimum although the hours of childcare provided must relate to the hours that you are in work.
It must be paid work, so you’re not eligible if you are volunteering and only getting money for expenses.
If you’re on sick leave, you may also be eligible if you’re getting Statutory Sick Pay.
If you’re on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, you may also be eligible if you’re getting one of the following:
- Statutory Maternity Pay
- Statutory Paternity Pay
- Statutory Shared Parental Pay
- Statutory Adoption Pay
- Maternity Allowance
If your partner does not work but cannot look after your children
You can still claim childcare costs if your partner:
- has a health condition or disability which means they have limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work related activity (LCWRA)
- cares for a severely disabled person (and is eligible for Carer’s Allowance)
- has to be away from home temporarily, for example in hospital