The working entitlement funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds is available for eligible families. It is important that if you have a child who will be 2 or 3 years old before 31^st March or if your circumstances have changed, that you apply to HMRC (Childcare Service) now.

Please set-up or visit your Gateway Account (https://childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/par/app/trialmessage) immediately to apply or reconfirm. If you are unsure if you are entitled to the working entitlement, please check the Eligibility Criteria:

(https://www.gov.uk/check-eligible-free-childcare-if-youre-working?step-by-step-nav=f517cd57-3c18-4bb9-aa8b-1b907e279bf9).

It is important that you allow good time as any queries with new applications or reconfirmations could cause delays and any codes issued in April 2024 will not be funded in summer term 2024. Any start dates from 1^st April 2024 will not be funded until autumn term 2024 and only then if you reconfirm by 31^st August 2024.

If you have a code that needs to be reconfirmed, this should also be completed now and if you are unsure, it is your responsibility to log into your Gateway Account (https://childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/par/app/trialmessage) and check. If you are newly eligible or are given a new code at reconfirmation, you need to take your 11-digit code to your provider who will complete a verification check and then confirm your funded space.

When eligibility ends, children who have accessed the working entitlement can continue to access their entitlement in the grace period. However, new children, who are 2 or 3 years old before 31^st March, or start at a new setting, cannot start to use the working entitlement funding in the grace period if they are no longer eligible.

As part of the eligibility check with HMRC, you will be asked if you would like to register for Tax Free Childcare. You cannot register for Tax Free Childcare if you are in receipt of Universal Credit, Tax Credits or Childcare Vouchers. If you do register, your benefits may be stopped and it can take several weeks to reinstate.

If you have problems accessing the system or completing your check, please call the HMRC Helpdesk on 0300 1234 097 (your provider and Devon County Council cannot assist with new applications or reconfirmations).

You may be able to access further help with childcare costs. Please visit the Childcare Choices Website for more information.