GOV.UK: free childcare hours, free school meals and government services

GOV.UK is the central government portal where you can check and apply for established free services such as 15–30 free childcare hours for eligible children, free school meals for children in low-income households, state pension forecasts and HMRC online help for tax and benefits. Who qualifies varies by scheme — eligibility checkers and application forms are on the site and require basic details about your household, income and the child’s age. Access is by visiting the relevant service page on GOV.UK, completing the online checkers and applying through your local council or national service links.