Missed hmrc code application deadline by 1 day

[Gm2022]

Some advice please if anyone else has been in the same situation.
due to return back to work 30th April.
drawling for 15 hours (9 month old) funding 31st march
I added my daughter onto my childcare account ( already active for 4 year old ) in December once I knew my return to work plans.
Early March the nursery was asking me for the funding code. I kept checking but no code. I reconfirmed my daughters details and updated my new application on 20th March still no code so I called HMRC and they said one wouldn’t be issued until 30 days before I’m due to start work. ( didn’t mention anything about going online again ) so I assumed it would be issued on -
1st April. 1st April no code so I reconfirmed all again and the code was issued!
didn’t think anything of it gave it to my provider … happy days.
fast forward end of April. Nursery calls me to tell me my code doesn’t work.
I call HMRC they tell me I missed the deadline. It’s hard coded nothing they can do. I couldn’t understand why but in their explanation I should have applied on and only on 31st March to be eligible as it wouldn’t have sent me the code earlier due to the 30/31 days rule when returning to work.
I’ve sent in a complaint to HMRC has anyone had any joy in being granted the funding? It’s put me in a really bad financial position without it!

They are strict on application dates. It’s on their website site.www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/15-and-30-hours-childcare-support/working-families/how-to-apply

See pic

But I applied back in December but they didn’t issue the number?

I also reconfirmed in March but before 31st but they didn’t send number as it was over 30 days of start date but I didn’t know this when I added her?

Sounds really frustrating that you needed to apply both no later than 31st March and no earlier than 30 days before starting work.
Hope you get it sorted.

I think unfortunately it was the timing of when you were going back to work. You needed to apply by 31st March but also not before 30 days of returning to work.

I think reading between the lines you needed to return to work one day earlier in order to apply by 31st March and be within 30 days of starting work

Did you get anywhere with this please and your complaint with HMRC, I am in a very similar boat right now.

@Hass5 i did get a refund as they had the phone call of the person I spoke to telling me I didn’t need to do anything however they are normally very strict