Tax free childcare - how long?

[Lalaloulous]

Has anyone recently applied for tax free childcare for a new child, if so how long did approval take? I realised I've left if really late and am due to pay the first bill tomorrow (oops). With mg first DC it was about 24 hours but that was several years ago. I know it says 7 days but I'm hoping it will be quicker again.

Hopeful bump

Mine took about a week but my employment status had changed so they did have to call me to discuss.

It doesn't pay immediately either, I would guess you will be late or should pay another way this month and get better organised for next month.

Thanks. For my older child the money usually clears within about 3 hours so if it does get approved there's still a chance. My employment status hasn't changed so hoping it'll be quick to sort

How do know when it hits their bank account? Or do you just mean the top up?

@KateyCuckoo yes the top up clears within about 3 hours usually.
It needs to leave my account tomorrow really. Our nursery gives us a few days grace for arriving in their account if using TFC as they know most people don't get paid until the last working day of the month (like both me and my husband).