You can apply for both the Working Parent Entitlement  and Tax-Free Childcare using a single application.

When to apply

You must apply for and receive your new eligibility code for the Working Parent Entitlement 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 these funded hours the following term. Check the exact dates of the holidays and terms.

What you need to apply

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 months
  • any benefits you may receive.

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.

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

Your childcare provider will check the code is valid using the government’s eligibility checking system.

Apply on GOV.UK for help with childcare costs