Finding out late about funding

[Confuzzed2day]

Not sure if I am understanding wrong or if the childcare website is just that bad.

Ive just tried to apply for my tax free childcare and funded hours today as my baby is 23 weeks. Im still on mat leave and not technically back in payroll until August and baby starting nursery end September. The page after I’d completed the application says I can apply for the funded hours now but can’t apply for the tax free childcare until 31 days before I’m back on payroll. It said I’d have to update the application. I thought I would at least get some indication of eligibility for the funded hours but it seems to be just pending that update from me 31 days before I’m back on payroll. So essentially I have no clue how much nursery will cost me until July, is that right?

Also can someone confirm is it 15 or 30 funded hours? There seems to be a mismatch on the website (maybe because the 30 hours only comes in from Sept?)

Working Parent entitlement is 30 hours from September.

You need to earn a minimum of £183/ week per parent (or just you if you're single) but under £100k annually.

You need to apply 30 days before retuen to work, and no later than 31st August for your funding to start in September.

Only your nursery can tell you how actually they use the hours, and therefore how much you'll be spending. For example mine allow you to use it for mornings only so you pay for half day sessions for the remainder of those days. My sister's you can use as full days but you must be signed up for a two day per week minimum.

I know my nursery accepts both these and I have the prices but I worry if funding is denied. We earn over £183 a week but less than 100k. How do people manage finding out with only 31days to spare if they have the funded price or not?

Well why wouldnt you get your funding code if you meet the criteria? Am I missing something?

Why wouldn't you get it? If you meet the eligibility criteria then that's fine, you'll get it. But again, how the nursery applies that funding to your chosen hours can vary.

I’m just worrying, we meet the criteria but I’m just scared something will go wrong. It’s sounds like I’m overthinking 🥴 thanks all, this has been useful

Unfortunately you're just going to have wait. They can't give you your eligibility code now, your circumstances might change.