Lost my job before starting maternity leave - how to apply for gov funded 30 hours free childcare?

[Lalalul]

Hi,

I lost my job in May 2023. My baby arrived August 2023. I didn’t receive statutory maternity pay, my last payment from my employer was a lump sum in May 2023.

my baby will be starting nursery in September 2024. His place was booked before I lost my job. I plan to get a new job for September. Once I have my next role, I will be eligible for the government funded childcare hours.

Question is - when can I apply for this? I have seen that I need to apply by end of May 2024.. well I won’t have a job confirmed by then. Does this mean I won’t be able to apply at all? I’m really worried as without the hours we need to totally rethink whether I even return to work.

thank you

It’s only 15 hours (term time) for under 2’s from September 2024, you won’t get 30 until September 2025 from what I understand.

I think if it’s anything like the tax free/ 3/4 year old funding the question is do you expect to earn x amount on average per week over the next 3 months (16 x minimum wage) I think there is about 30 days leeway which isn’t much. Maybe start applying for roles in July and you will be ready to start September. Good luck

Until you’re working and earning the base amount you won’t be eligible for the funded hours.

Just to add to that, you also have to consider the cut off dates once you’re working. You may still have to wait a little while

The deadline to apply will be 31st August and I think you can apply up to 28 days before you start work if you have a job lined up.

And as a pp said it will only be 15 hours from September 24.

If my baby was born in December 2923 will I get it in September or do I have to wait till January. I’m worried I have miss-counted? Can’t find anything online !!!

The May deadline is for the 2 year olds, not 9 month olds.

You can apply FROM May for 9 month olds for the 15 hours that start from September.

You can’t apply while you haven’t secured a job. You need to start work with 31 days of applying for the funded hours.

It’s 15 hours, NOT 30. The 30 hours won’t start for that age group until Sept 2025.

There is no deadline in May for applying for codes either age group.

Your child will be 9 months old in September so your funding will start in January 2025.

January 2025 as it’s the term after your baby turns 9 months. Yours will turn 9 months in September which will be after term starts.

Sorry just to correct myself:

You can start applying for the 9 month funding from May.

The March deadline was for 2 year olds, if they wanted to start the free hours from April.