To be so confused by free childcare hours

[Dinoswearunderpants]

Hi

Sorry but I think I'm pretty smart however I can not understand what childcare hours we're eligible for.

My DS will be 3 in April (after Easter). I tried applying via my local authority for 15 hour but they've said we're not eligible because I don't receive any benefits.

I've logged into my HMRC account and can only see my tax free childcare account.

I called up and they were utterly useless telling me to wait for an email.

My childminder keeps saying I need to get the code sorted but I have no idea how to get the damn code.

Any advice please.

I’m sorry to high jack the thread but wondered if anyone could say if you have to apply for the free 15hrs or 2 year olds that’s available from April, and if so where?! (My 2 year old will be starting a few sessions from next month).

You’re right @Dinoswearunderpants its made incredibly complicated!

If you are looking to apply to the funded hours for 2 year for working parents, this is the link: https://www.gov.uk/get-free-childcare-if-youre-working

It is ridiculously complicated to find information but the application itself isn't too bad.
You should also be able to get tax-free childcare if you are eligible for the free hours for working parents by the way, the conditions are the same and you can get both at the same time.

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair as far as I can tell you have to wait for your account reconfirmation window to get the code to apply (if you already have a childcare account, for tax free childcare for example. I need to reconfirm my account in Feb so that's when I should get the code). If you don't have an account with them then you'll need to set one up and then I assume you'll get the code straight away.

Thank you! It’s almost as if they don’t want to give you the money!