How to apply for the extra 15 hours free childcare

Vicky


third Jan 2024

Studying Time: 2 minutes

Software opened yesterday for 1000’s of fogeys to entry an additional 30 hours of free childcare.

These entitled to free childcare to help them to return to work after parental go away. Relying on how previous your baby is, you might be able to entry between 15 and 30 hours free childcare every week.

As was introduced within the Spring Finances 2023 from April 2024,  much more dad and mom will be capable to entry this parental help.

Right here we let you know in regards to the free Authorities-funded childcare you possibly can entry now, apply and what you’ll be capable to get in future.

When will the 30 hours of free childcare be prolonged?

The federal government are introducing free childcare regularly, to make it possible for suppliers can meet the wants of extra households, beginning with 15 hours of free childcare for working dad and mom of two-year-olds. If eligible, you possibly can apply now.

From September 2024, 15 hours of free childcare will probably be prolonged to all kids from the age of 9 months.

From September 2025, working dad and mom of kids underneath the age of 5 will probably be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare every week.

Application for these offers will probably be accessible within the coming months. 

Methods to apply without cost childcare

In case your baby is age three or 4 and also you need to entry 15 hours of free childcare, you don’t have to make an software as your childcare supplier will do that for you mechanically.

You’ll simply want to indicate them a duplicate of your baby’s delivery certificates, and also you’ll additionally need to signal a declaration type. Discuss to your childcare supplier straight to seek out out extra.

Working dad and mom of two-year-olds can additionally apply for 15 hours of free childcare, to be accessed from April. Mother and father can apply by way of Childcare Decisions. 

In case your baby is three or 4 years previous and also you’re eligible for 30 hours of free childcare, you’ll have to fill out an application form online.

In case you’re eligible, you’ll get a childcare account and a code which you’ll want to indicate to your childcare supplier, alongside together with your baby’s date of delivery and your Nationwide Insurance coverage quantity.

You’ll have to reconfirm your particulars each three months, or your code will expire.

Test your eligibility and apply for 30 hours free childcare at this link.

You’ll be able to log into your Authorities childcare account here.

When do you have to apply?

You can also make an software at any level within the 12 months. Nonetheless, to be sure to obtain your code, go away loads of time to use. One of the best time to use is determined by when your baby turns three – work out when is greatest for you at this link.

You’ll be requested to reconfirm you’re nonetheless eligible each 3 months. Which means that when you apply no less than 3 months earlier than your baby begins going to your childcare supplier, you’ll have to reconfirm you’re nonetheless eligible earlier than you’re taking up a spot.

For dad and mom of two-year-olds to entry 15 hours of free childcare, we advocate these eligible apply between mid-January and the top of February so that oldsters received’t have to reconfirm eligibility earlier than taking on a spot. Mother and father can apply by way of Childcare Choices.