30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds
How to apply
If you are eligible, you can apply online for the 30 hours free childcare.
To apply, you will need your details (and your partner's, if you have one), including your:
- National Insurance number
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you are self employed
Apply for 30 hours free childcare online
Once you have applied and you have received your code, you will need to re-confirm eligibility every three months to keep getting your 30 hours free childcare.
If your situation changes, you will receive notice within six weeks or half a term.
During this time, your child will keep the additional hours. Eligibility will be checked again at the end of this period, and if still not eligible, you will no longer receive the additional hours.
Problems with your online application
If you are having problems with your online application or re-confirming your details please contact the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097.
The helpline will then check if you are eligible and provide you with a temporary code if you qualify.
Your code will begin with 11 and will be available throughout the year.
If you have missed out on a 30 hours place
If you have missed out on a 30 hours place through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for some monetary redress.
You must have made your application before the termly deadline and you must have paid out for childcare that would have otherwise been entitled to for free.
You must meet all other eligibility requirements such as the child's age and earnings threshold.
If you think you meet these conditions, please call the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097.
Childcare service compensation
If you have been unable to complete your application or sign in to your childcare account for technical reasons, you may be able to claim compensation and get the government top-up as a one-off payment.
You may also be eligible for a refund for any costs caused by the service not working as it should, mistakes or reasonable delays.
For information on eligibility and how to make a claim, visit GOV.UK: Childcare Service compensation.