Free Childcare from January 2027: When to Apply and Get Your Code

For funded childcare in England starting in January 2027, apply and obtain your eligibility code by 31 December 2026. Allow time for checks and for your provider to validate the code. These deadlines concern England’s working-parent funded hours, rather than a general deadline for Tax-Free Childcare.

Which children can start in January?

The GOV.UK application timetable says children turning nine months between 1 September and 31 December can start the following January. For January 2027, that corresponds to birthdays from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026. Older eligible children can also start, subject to the scheme’s age and other conditions.

For example, a child born on 20 March 2026 turns nine months on 20 December and may start funded hours in January 2027. A child born on 10 April 2026 turns nine months in January and normally reaches the funded-hours start point in April. These are calendar examples, not eligibility decisions.

What if I am returning to work?

For a return between 1 October 2026 and 31 January 2027, the January funded-hours application window is 1 September to 31 December 2026. Paid annual leave with salary counts as a return. On shared parental leave, both parents must have returned or be returning by 31 January. Check the timetable above against your actual dates.

How do I get and use the code?

Apply through Free Childcare for Working Parents. If approved, you receive an 11-digit code to give your childcare provider. Agree a place and ask the provider to validate it. Approval does not reserve a nursery place or settle the attendance pattern.

• Have National Insurance details and requested work or self-employment information ready.
• Apply early enough to resolve evidence requests before the deadline.
• Ask the provider for written confirmation of the funded start date and any remaining charges.

Do existing users need to apply again?

Existing users should check their childcare account and reconfirm every three months. Having a code from an earlier term does not replace reconfirmation. Ask the provider to check the code remains valid for January and confirm any change in sessions.

What if I miss the deadline?

A late application normally means waiting until the next term’s start point for working-parent hours. Contact HMRC about an application problem and the council about other entitlements. Avoid assuming funding will be backdated.

What will I still need to pay?

Ask for an itemised quote. The headline 30 hours are based on 38 weeks, and an all-year place may spread them differently. Our stretched-hours guide shows the arithmetic. Use the remaining eligible bill in the Tax-Free Childcare calculator if you qualify for that scheme too.