IEligible working families can now apply for 30 hours of childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.
You could still be eligible even if you are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave or if you are unable to work.
If you are a foster carer who works and you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply for 30 hours funded childcare. Please speak with the child's social worker.
When to apply
We recommend you apply no more than 3 months before you're eligible to claim.
You must have a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts. You must reconfirm your code every 3 months, even if you have not started funded childcare.
when to apply for childcare
| Must be 9 months old by: | Date child is eligible for funding from: | Recommended time to apply: |
|---|
| 31 August |
1 September - autumn term |
15 June to 31 July |
| 31 December |
1 January - spring term |
15 October to 30 November |
| 31 March |
1 April - summer term |
15 January to 28 February |