How and when to apply
To apply and claim the funding:
- complete the online form and set up a childcare service account
- if you're eligible you will get an eligibility code which you must take to your provider
- you must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months after applying (even if you haven't started claiming your extra hours)
You can only claim at the start of each new term, if your child is eligible to claim. If you become eligible during the term you will need to wait until the start of the next to get your extra hours.
Start now
When can I apply?
The table details what date you can apply for funding based on your child's age.
30 hours funding
| Must be 3 years old by | When they will be eligible for funding from | Latest date to take your eligibility code to your provider |
|---|
| 31 December |
1 January (spring term) |
31 December |
| 31 March |
1 April (summer term) |
31 March |
| 31 August |
1 September (autumn term) |
31 August |
You can apply 16 weeks before your child's third birthday. We recommend you apply no more than 3 months before the term you're eligible to claim.
You must log in to your childcare account to reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months, even if you've not started claiming your hours.
Most parents applying for 30 hours free childcare will get an immediate reply to say if they're eligible, but HMRC may need more information to make a decision for some parents. Make sure you apply in good time.