How to Apply for the UK Government's Increased Childcare Support

The UK Government's expanded childcare

Parents of young children, especially those under three, often face challenges balancing work and childcare. The UK Government's expanded childcare support aims to ease this burden by increasing the hours of free childcare available. Here's a comprehensive guide on the current and upcoming childcare support offers, how to apply, and what to expect.

Current Childcare Support Offers

This is what is currently being provided as support

• For Ages 3-4:
• Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 hours of free childcare per week.
• This support can be used for 38 weeks of the year (school term time) or spread across up to 52 weeks if fewer hours are used each week.
• For Ages 2:
• Eligible working parents and some families receiving additional government support can access 15 hours of free childcare per week.
• This support is similarly flexible with usage over school term time or throughout the year.

Expanded Childcare Support Offers

This is what is what will be provided this September

• From September 2024:
• The 15 hours of free childcare will be extended to include children from the age of 9 months to 3 years.
• This stage of the rollout ensures that more working parents can benefit from early childcare support.
• From September 2025:
• Most working families with children aged between 9 months and school age will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week.

These changes are phased to help childcare providers adjust and ensure they can meet the increased demand for places.

Application Process for Free Childcare

How to Apply:

1. Online Application:
   • Parents can apply for free childcare hours through the Childcare Choices website.
   • Applications for the first stage of the rollout (15 hours for 2-year-olds) opened on January 2, 2024.
2. Receiving Your Code:
   • Once you apply, you will receive a letter in the post within 1 to 2 weeks with your childcare entitlement code.
   • Parents starting a new job can call HMRC on 0300 123 4097 to receive their code.
3. Using Your Code:
   • Take your code, along with your National Insurance number and your child’s date of birth, to your childcare provider.
   • Your provider will process the code to secure your childcare place.
4. Reconfirmation of Eligibility:
   • Every three months, parents will need to reconfirm their eligibility to continue receiving free childcare hours.

Important Dates and Phases

• By April 2024: Parents of 2-year-olds can apply for 15 hours of free childcare.
• By September 2024: The 15-hour offer extends to children from 9 months.
• By September 2025: 30 hours of free childcare will be available to most working families with children aged 9 months to school age.

Additional Support and Resources

• Tax-Free Childcare: You can use Tax-Free Childcare in conjunction with your 15 or 30 hours of free childcare support.
• Local Authority Support: If you are eligible for both the working entitlement and the 15 hours for families receiving support, apply for the latter by contacting your local authority.

For more detailed information and updates on the application process, visit the Education Hub and Childcare Choices.

By understanding these new childcare support offers and the application process, parents can better prepare to take advantage of these benefits, ensuring their children receive the care they need while they manage their work commitments.

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