Free Childcare for Working Parents
Apply for free childcare
Use this service to apply for Free Childcare for Working Parents if you live in England.
When you apply, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will also check if you’re eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, which can help towards the cost of additional childcare.
If your application is approved, you’ll get an 11-digit code that proves you’re eligible to get free childcare. You’ll need to give this code to your childcare provider.
If your child is 2 years old and you get extra support
If your child is 2 and you get extra support, you need to contact your local council before applying for Free Childcare for Working Parents. Speak to the early years team or Family Information Service.
What you need to apply
You’ll need your (and your partner’s, if you have one):
- National Insurance number
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you’re self-employed (if you have a UTR)
You’ll also need:
- the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) of any children you’re applying for
- the date you started or are due to start work (this can be approximate if it’s more than 3 months ago)
If you have a partner
You must include your partner in your application if you’re:
- married or in a civil partnership and live together
- not married or in a civil partnership, but living together as though you are
Their employment and income will not affect your eligibility if they:
- are or will be absent from your household for more than 6 months
- are a prisoner
You and your partner cannot both have a code for the same child.
If you are separated
You and your ex-partner need to decide who should apply if you are jointly responsible for your child.
If you cannot decide, both of you must apply separately and HMRC will decide who gets a childcare code.
If you’re a company director
You’ll need to show you meet the minimum income requirements if you’re a company director. HMRC will try to check this using your PAYE records.
If you do not submit regular PAYE information, you may have to provide evidence to show you are working and expect to meet the minimum income requirements for the next 3 months. This could be:
- wage slips
- bank statements
- a statement from your accountant
- copies of invoices
If you’re not paid regularly (for example, once a year) you may need to send other evidence to show you’ll meet the minimum income requirements. This could include annual wage slips, year-end payroll, or a letter from your tax agent or adviser confirming your salary has been paid and taxed.
You’ll need to do this the first time you apply and every time you reconfirm your eligibility.
Apply
You’ll set up a childcare account when you apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll be able to use this for both:
- Free Childcare for Working Parents
- Tax-Free Childcare
You’ll only need to apply once.
It usually takes 20 minutes to apply.
If you’ve been unable to use the service
You may be able to claim compensation if you’ve had technical problems with your account.