Do I need a code to claim 15 hours free childcare for 3 year old??

[Adviceneededpleasehelpme]

As the title suggests, please can anyone advise whether I am supposed to give nursery a code in order to claim the free 15 hours that all 3 year olds are eligible for?

My child just started a new nursery and I've been sent a large bill (she is doing 12 hours per week).

My last reconfirmation with HMRC I declared that we are no longer eligible for the 30 hours due to husband's earnings, and I was never sent a new code for 15 hours. But the new nursery are asking for this!

Can anyone advise please??!

I thought you did, yes, but I don't have a three-year-old yet, so I have no personal experience.

Is the 15-hour code not showing in your account?

Hi, thanks for your reply. The only code showing in my account is the one we were provided when we previously claimed 30 hours. But wouldn't they need to send a new one for the new term? I'm so confused

I'd contact them asap to get yourself a new code if I was you.

For my three year old’s 15 free hours we don’t need a code, we just needed to provide the nursery with a copy of the birth certificate to prove age.

@Slytherfish That's how I thought it worked, and we've provided the BC.
Just called HMRC and they're telling me to call my local council to get the code?! Will report back!

You don’t need a code for the universal hours. You just need to fill out the funding form and show a birth certificate.

When was your child 3?

I don’t need a code for my 3 year olds 15 hours

@Bubugum 3rd April, so we just missed the cut off date for april.
That's exactly what I thought, don't understand why I need a code. On hold to the council now

Ok, problem solved, just spoke to the nursery manager who said it's a mistake - panic over! Thanks everyone for your help 😀

You don’t need a code. The nursery has to call the council and register your child. They will need the birth certificate number though. They should call the council. That’s how I did mine.