Free Childcare for Working Parents

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After you’ve applied

You’ll usually find out if you’re eligible:

• immediately after applying
• within 10 days if extra checks are needed

It can sometimes take longer. You’ll be told if you need to provide more information to help with your application.

Once your application has been approved

You’ll get an 11-digit code in your childcare account.

HMRC will let you know by text or email that the code is in your account.

Give the code to your provider along with:

• your National Insurance number
• your child’s date of birth

If you have not heard from HMRC

You can contact the Childcare Service helpline if you applied more than 10 days ago and have not heard from HMRC.

To keep getting Free Childcare for Working Parents

You must sign in to your childcare account every 3 months to confirm you’re still eligible.

If you apply more than 3 months before your childcare starts, you’ll have to reconfirm your eligibility to keep your code valid.

View a printable version of the whole guide