Can I get 30 hours childcare if I am self-employed?

Does self-employment count as working?

Yes, on the official work list. GOV.UK — check if you’re eligible says the amount of free childcare depends on whether you are working — and it defines working as employed, self-employed, or a company director. You still have to meet the income and immigration tests, and the child must usually live with you in England.

The apply page asks for your National Insurance number and a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you are self-employed and have one. Best Start in Life’s apply FAQ uses the same pairing: National Insurance number, or UTR if you are self-employed.

What minimum earnings does GOV.UK use?

You (and your partner, if you have one) must each expect to earn a set amount over the 3 months after you apply. GOV.UK says the amount depends on your age, the figures are before tax, and this is the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average. Live figures on that page, matching Best Start in Life’s eligibility page (updated 9 April 2026) and the 2026-27 contract used on this site:

GOV.UK’s couple example: if you are 19 and your partner is 22, you need at least £2,256.80 and they need at least £2,643.68 over the 3 months after you apply. Each person is tested. Dividends, interest, property-investment income and pension payments do not count toward this minimum.

What if my self-employed income is irregular, or the business is new?

GOV.UK lets you use an average of how much you expect to earn over the current tax year if you work throughout the year but are not paid regularly, or you are self-employed and do not expect to earn enough in the next 3 months. The 21-and-over example on that page is earning £10,574.72 a year — the same as £2,643.68 every 3 months on average.

If you are self-employed and started the business less than 12 months ago, GOV.UK and Best Start in Life both say you can earn less and still be eligible. That is the start-up easement. It is not a permanent lower floor.

If you have more than one job, you can add employment and self-employment earnings. If you are both employed and self-employed, GOV.UK says you can use just the self-employment income if that is what makes you eligible.

How do I apply as a self-employed parent?

1. 1
   Gather National Insurance and UTR You need a National Insurance number. Add the Unique Taxpayer Reference if you have one. The person who applies also needs British or Irish citizenship, settled or pre-settled status (or a pending application), or permission to access public funds.
2. 2
   Estimate the next 3 months, or the tax-year average Use the live GOV.UK floor for your age. If the next quarter is thin, use the tax-year average rule. If the business is under 12 months old, read the start-up sentence on the eligibility page before you guess a number.
3. 3
   Apply on GOV.UK Create or sign in to the childcare account via Apply for free childcare. HMRC also checks Tax-Free Childcare on the same application. Include your partner if you live together as a couple.
4. 4
   Reconfirm every 3 months The same account needs a sign-in every 3 months. Directors without regular PAYE may need evidence each time they reconfirm — the apply page lists wage slips, bank statements, an accountant’s statement or invoices as examples.

In shortIn short: self-employed counts as working. Use the live 16-hour wage floor, or the tax-year average if pay is lumpy. First 12 months of a new business can earn less. UTR if you have one; National Insurance always. Directors are on the working list and may be asked for evidence.