Apply for 30 hours of free childcare
You can apply for both the 30-hours and Tax-Free Childcare using a single application.
You must apply for and receive your new 30 hour eligibility code the before the start of the academic period. You need to apply for and have received your code by:
- 31 August to start claiming the entitlement in September
- 31 December to start claiming the entitlement in January
- 31 March to start claiming the entitlement in April.
If you apply after these dates you will be issued with a start date to access 30 hours the following term. Check the exact dates of the holidays and terms.
To complete the application, you will need to provide details including:
- your name
- your address
- your national insurance number
- details if you expect to meet the income requirements over the next 3 month
- details of any benefits you may receive.
If you live with a partner, you will need to provide the same information for them. HMRC will decide whether your child is eligible for the 30-hours (as well as Tax-Free Childcare).
If you are eligible, you will be given an 11-digit code that you will need to give to your childcare provider along with your national insurance number and your child’s birth certificate.
Your code can be found by logging into your childcare service account.
Your childcare provider will check the code is valid using the government’s eligibility checking system. Once happy they will book your child's place. They do not need to take part in the 30 hour offer, please talk to them before applying.