Newly single parent do I need to change from 15 hours free to single parent help?

[Nichol110]

Please can someone help me as this has been driving me insane for weeks as the information online is very confusing! Me and partner both work full time so both receive 15 hours free childcare for our 1 year old plus 20% tax free on top, we have recently separated and I am now left not knowing what is best to do. I don’t think I can claim the 15 hours anymore as I think it’s for both parents together & working please correct me if I’m wrong, so I have looked into the 85% you can claim back from your full childcare bill for single parents which would actually work out cheaper but then I have found out today that it goes on your earnings, I am self employed so I’m worried on good months when I earn more they will say you don’t qualify but also can’t have the 15 hours either so would I be left to pay a full bill with no help?! There’s hardly any info on this situation online at all I have found some numbers to call but thought I would message on here first! Any help is appreciated thank you

I'm not sure why you think you aren't entitled to the 15 hours? Your child will be if over 3 - it's universal?

Ignore, just seen they are 1! I'm an idiot. Sending lots of hugs as it sounds like a difficult situation for you.

Did you apply for your funding code or your partner?

If you're a single parent family it will just be your situation considered now for funding eligibility. So if you're working and meet the earnings criteria you will still be eligible.

If you applied for the code previously, when you next reconfirm you will need to update your details and advise you are now a single parent.

If your partner previously applied for the code, you should now apply for a code yourself and complete the application as a single parent.