Applying for working parent entitlement
When to apply
For the working parent entitlement for children aged 9 months to 4 years, you can apply from when your child is 23 weeks old.
Apply by:
- 31 August to get your childcare code to use from the 1 September
- 31 December to get your childcare code to use from the 1 January
- 31 March to get your childcare code to use from 1 April
We would encourage you to apply at least 4 weeks before the deadline to help avoid delays.
How to apply
For the working parent entitlement, you will need to apply for a code online.
You’ll need your National Insurance number (or unique taxpayer reference if self employed), the date you started or are due to start work, details of any government support or benefits you receive, and your child’s UK birth certificate reference number (if available)
Apply for funded childcare if you're working
Some providers might only deliver funded childcare hours on certain days or at specific times. Check that their hours work for you.
You must check or update your details every 3 months to keep getting your childcare hours. You’ll get a reminder when it’s time.