As part of the childcare expansion scheme, the existing two year old scheme is extended to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months to 23 months from September 2024.
You can use the funded childcare for 38 weeks of the year or maximum of 570 hours 'stretched' over more weeks but for fewer hours per week.
Eligibility
Each parent earns on average at least £167 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage).
If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you are unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.
You may also be able to claim the funding if you are a foster carer. Find out more from your social worker.
You will not be eligible if:
- either parent earns £100,000 a year.
Check the eligibility criteria to find out if you can receive the funding.
How to apply
Applications are now open for parents with children aged from 9 to 23 months. You can apply for funding using the Government website.
If you are eligible for the funding, you will receive a working parent entitlement code which you must present to your childcare provider to claim the funding.
Please contact the HMRC Childcare Service helpline on 0300 123 4097 in case you have any query.
When to apply
You can apply for funded childcare for your child under two years of age, 16 weeks before your child turns 9 months old. We recommend you apply no more than 3 months before you are eligible to claim.
You need to renew your code every three months to continue claiming the funding.
Child must be 9 months old by:
- 31 August to claim the funding from 1 September (Autumn term)
- 31 December to claim the funding from 1 January (Spring term)
- 31 March to claim the funding from 1 April (Summer term)