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Apply for Working Parent Entitlement for 9-to-35-month-olds

Using a single application, you can apply for both:

When to apply

You must apply and get your eligibility code before the start of term. The dates to apply by are:

  • 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 for or receive your code after these dates, your start date for accessing funded hours will be set for the next term. For application or technical help, contact HMRC 0300 123 4097. We are unable to help in these matters.

What you need to apply

To complete the application, you will need to give:

  • your name
  • your address
  • your National Insurance Number
  • information if you expect to meet the income requirements over the next 3 months
  • details of any benefits you may receive.

If you are eligible, you will need to give your childcare provider your:

  • 11-digit eligibility code
  • National Insurance Number
  • child’s birth certificate.

To find your code, log in to your childcare service account.

Your childcare provider will check if the code is valid using the government’s eligibility system. If your code is valid this term, they can claim funding for you. Just make sure your child attends during headcount week and that you’ve signed a parental declaration form.

Parental declaration form

A parental declaration form tells the childcare provider and us that you want to claim funding for the whole term. Make sure that you read through this form before signing. If you have any questions about this form, ask your childcare provider.

No photo ID

If you have no photo ID, you can still apply. However, without access to photo ID, the process is longer. So allow for plenty of time before the application deadline.

You must begin the process online, as far as you can. Once you reach the stage to show your ID, call HMRC on 0300 123 4097. Their Childcare Service Helpline will be able to help you.

You will be able to use your UK bank account details and tax record to prove your identity. HMRC will ask a nominated company to credit check you. Or the Post Office will complete this. A credit check means you’ll need to answer some security questions. It can also mean that a nominal payment will be made to the credit agency. This is then deposited back into your personal account.

If necessary, you may need to visit your local Post Office. Certain Post Offices can check your ID. They may take your photograph and will scan any documents such as:

  • bank statements
  • utility bills
  • payslips.

If you can't go to your local Post Office, use the Post Office EasyID app. It’s accredited by the UK’s National Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) and government. Visit the Post Office website to download the app and to get help.

For any application or technical questions, or want to confirm the criteria, contact HMRC on 0300 123 4097. Their Childcare Service Helpline will be able to help you.

Apply for the funding

Once you have all the information you need for the application, apply online.