Funded childcare for 9-month-old children

From September 2024, 15 hours of childcare support has been extended to eligible working parents with a child from age 9-months-old.

When can I apply and how do I get my code?

You can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old. However, funding will only begin the term after your child is 9-months-old. 

When you apply, you’ll receive a code to give to your childcare provider. They will arrange the funding paperwork required.

It’s important to remember that codes need to be renewed every three months. To do this, you’ll need to remember to login to your childcare account to check when your reconfirmation dates are, so that you can renew your code on time. If you don’t renew it on time, you will need to reapply.

You can claim your place the term after your child turns the relevant age.

Application deadlines  

You must apply for a working family eligibility code by the end of the month before a new term starts. For example, for the term starting on or after the 1 September you must apply by 31 August. 

You can apply up to 31 days before starting work. 

How do I apply? 

You can apply online for free childcare if you're working. Make sure to have the following information to hand before starting the application:

• your national insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if you are self-employed)
  
• the date you started or are due to start work
  
• details of any government support or benefits you receive
  
• the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) for your child.