From September 2024 parents who work the equivalent of 16hrs per week at minimum living wage and have a child aged 9 months old may qualify for 15hrs funded childcare per week for 38 weeks per year.
How do I apply?
To check if you are eligible for this scheme you need to apply to HMRC via your gateway account by the termly cut-off date. If you have any queries about your application, you can call HMRC on 0300 123 4097 or you can view further information on the scheme on The Education Hub.
If you are found to be eligible you will be provided with an 11 digit eligibility code; you will need to pass this code to your chosen childcare provider to be able to take up your place in the September 2024 term.
What if I don’t have a gateway account?
When you click the HMRC link above you will be prompted to log into your gateway account or register for an account if you do not already have one. If you have already registered for Tax Free Childcare this is via your gateway account, so you can just log in using your gateway code and password.
If you do not have an account, when you click to register you will be provided with a gateway code which you will use to set up your account. Once your account is set up you can log in with your gateway code and password and apply for the eligibility code.
Please note your gateway code is not your eligibility code and cannot be used to take up a funded place.
Is there a deadline for applications for Autumn 2024?
To be able to take up a place in the September 2024 term you will need to have applied to HMRC for your eligibility code by 31 August 2024. If you apply after this date your code will not be valid until the Spring term (January 2025).
Do I have to reapply each term?
Once you have been provided with your eligibility code you will be required to reconfirm your details on your HMRC childcare account every 3 months to ensure your code remains valid. You will receive an email or text reminder from HMRC when you need to do this.
If your working situation does not change and you reconfirm your details every 3 months you will be able to continue to use your eligibility code until your child starts in reception.
Find a childcare provider
You can find childcare providers who offer under 2's funding by searching our online directory.
Search for a childcare provider