Applications have opened today for the 30 hours funded childcare - worth getting it done early

[caffelattetogo]

Also worth applying early to your provider as I can’t imagine they will have enough places for everyone https://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/25157073.hmrc-applications-30-hours-free-childcare-now-open/

Yep - just spotted that.

Do you think it'll be a bunfight?

Depends where you are

Ours have asked for codes ASAP as the admin looks like a nightmare

Most eligible people are already claiming.... your code doesn't change so no need to reapply.

This seems to be unnecessarily panicking people. Your code also needs reconfirming before September so there's little to no point doing it in May.

Admin is the same as it is currently.

Will there not be more people claiming though

The only new claims will be babies turning 9 months or those going back to work in September which is the same as every other start of term.

Yes - this is just that it’s now 30 hours rather than 15 right? So if you were already claiming the 15, you don’t need to do anything?

Surely this “round” of applications will have far fewer people than when the initial 15 free hours started, so I agree with you that I don’t see the need for the panic.

Ahh, that’s good to know.

Yes exactly. The criteria is the same, the age groups are the same, the only change is the amount of hours to be claimed which involves typing 3 - 0 instead if 1 - 5.

The problem might be locally for those wishing to increase hours at nursery but that's not something that can be helped.

Great, thanks for letting us know.

Remember if you get your code now it will run out in August so make sure you reconfirm then so you don’t get a shock when you can’t use it in September.

And if you already have a code you don’t need to apply now, you just reconfirm every 3 months as usual.

Other than keeping the funding code renewed and in date.

Doesxthis work for parents who are due this year? I'm due in July and this would be mega beneficial

Due to give birth?

Yes you’ll be able to get the free hours, but from the term after your baby turns 9 months. Unfortunately your baby will turn 9 months in April next year, so you have to wait until September to get the hours.

Both you and if applicable your partner need to be in paid employment working a minimum of 16hrs per week at the equivalent of the national minimum wage. If you meet this criteria you cam apply for the working family funding which will kick in the term after your child hits 9 months of age

We both work, more than 16 hours a week.

This is helpful though, I'll try and apply ASAP so it's ready for when my little man is here and ready for nursery :)

You can’t apply until your child is 23 weeks old