30 free hours when can I claim

[FirstBabyCooking]

My little girl will be 9 months on the 4th September. Born 04-12-24
I’m due to go back to work on/ around the 22nd August that’s when my maternity pay will stop.
Her first day of nursery is the 1st October. Will I be able to get the 30hours funding for her straight away?
As I thought we would be able to and now not sure if we will be able to afford the full payment until the January term starts.

Funded hours start the term after they reach the age milestone that so will be January. She needs to be 9 months by 31st August in order for you to claim in September.

We only just missed out on the funding deadline for September too. Felt like a really long wait for January 😩

I don't think so - I think it kicks in the term after she turns 9 months, so that would be January
Can you maybe ask family to watch her till January?
Check if you can get help with the October to December fees through universal credit
If not, sign up to tax free childcare
And if all else fails, put a month or twos day to day spending in a zero interest credit card so you've the money ready for nursery fees for October, November and December.

Ok thanks. Is there someone/ place you can go to that will help with what options would be available for us. It's so confusing and it's stressing me out.

Sounds like you have just missed out-how annoying!

Would it be cheaper to delay your return to work than pay full time childcare costs for a whole term?

Maybe i am going to have to look into it. I honestly don't know why I thought she would be able to get it straight away. I find it all confusing and wish there was someone out there you could go to for help.

Universal credit you can check using one of the benefit calculators on gov.uk - make sure you put in all your details as they will be in october

You have to choose between tax free childcare and universal credit. Tax free childcare will cover 20% of the childcare bill up to £166 a month

Have a look on the Childcare Choices website.