Do you only get sent the funded hours code if you're eligible? We're not eligible but we were sent a code anyway?

[ChildcareSoExpe]

After reconfirming our tax free childcare details, we were sent a 'thanks for reconfirming' message, and then another message about funded hours, inviting us to apply. The message included the code, and told us to take this code and our NI number to the nursery.

Our toddler turns 2 on 16th April this year. I'm sure we have to wait until September to be eligible. Are they sending the code to everyone to just apply now, well in advance, and wait for the funded hours to kick in?

Ask your nursery, they'll be able to work this out for you :)

It will be valid from September. Lots have received codes early but when we (as providers) try to validate them it will say not eligible yet as the DOB is outside of the terms parameters.

Most nurserys can find your code online themselves so if your eligible you can just ring if they find you on the database then your all good

This is not true. Hmrc need to check the income and other criteria are met and will issue an 11 digit code to authorise that it is. The settings then have to enter the code, NI numbers, child's details and run it all through a checker (to ensure the code isn't just made up!) And essentially we get a big green tick and payment for the child!

You can get your code before the child turns 2 but you can't use it until September if their birthday is in April.
Remember you must still reconfirm every 3 months for it to remain valid or it will end before your claim starts.

If you're not eligible you don't receive anything. We can't access tax free childcare or 30 hours funded and have never received anything regarding either process.

Hi,
just come across your post, my son is 9 months on the 8th September. I applied for the funded hours 3 weeks ago and received a code. I passed the code on presuming it would start in January (the term after he’s 9 months) however, today I’ve been given a bill and it’s for my funded hours. The provider said my code worked and he is presumably eligible now?
I can’t see how when he wasn’t 9 months before 31st August to receive it this term. Can you give any advice as to why my code may have been accepted early? I don’t want to rack up a huge bill.

@LaurenPrice94 Your provider will have a shock when they try to claim your hours as they won't be able to if your child was not 9 months old by 31st August.

They will be able to check the code on their funding portal and will no doubt have been told it's a valid code, which it is, BUT they need to take your child's age into consideration. Just because it says the code is valid does not mean they can claim the funding yet.