Understanding Eligibility Codes

What are Eligibility Codes?

Eligibility codes prove your entitlement to funded childcare hours beyond the universal 15 hours. There are two types:

30-Hour Code (Extended Entitlement)

For working parents of 3 and 4 year olds to claim 30 hours per week instead of 15.

Who is Eligible?

• Both parents must be working (or one parent in single-parent families)
• Each parent earns at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours per week
• Neither parent earns over £100,000 per year

How to Get Your Code

1. Go to gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare
2. Sign in with your Government Gateway account (or create one)
3. Complete the eligibility check
4. If eligible, you'll receive an 11-digit code
5. Enter this code when completing your funding declaration

Code Format

30-hour codes are 11 digits, e.g., 12345678901

Reconfirmation

You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months. HMRC will remind you by email and text. If you don't reconfirm, your code will expire and you'll lose the extended hours.

2-Year-Old Code (Disadvantaged Funding)

For families on certain benefits to claim 15 hours per week for 2-year-olds.

Who is Eligible?

• Families receiving Income Support, JSA, ESA, Universal Credit (under £15,400)
• Families receiving Working Tax Credit with income under £16,190
• Looked after children
• Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan
• Children receiving Disability Living Allowance

How to Get Your Code

1. Contact your local council (not HMRC)
2. Apply through your council's website or by phone
3. Provide evidence of your eligibility
4. Receive your code by post or email
5. Enter this code when completing your funding declaration

Code Format

2-year-old codes vary by local authority. Your council will tell you the format.

Code Expiry Dates

Both types of codes have expiry dates:

• Enter the expiry date shown on your code letter/email
• The nursery cannot claim funding after the expiry date
• Renew your code before it expires to avoid gaps in funding

Grace Period

If your 30-hour code expires, there's a grace period until the end of the funding period. However, you should reconfirm as soon as possible to avoid losing hours in the next period.