30-Hour Eligibility Codes

What is a 30-Hour Code?

Working parents of 3-4 year olds may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week (instead of the universal 15 hours). To claim this, they must obtain an eligibility code from HMRC.

Who is Eligible?

Parents must meet these criteria:

• Each parent earning at least National Minimum Wage for 16 hours per week
• Neither parent earning over £100,000 per year
• Living in England
• Child aged 3-4 (from term after 3rd birthday)

Obtaining a Code

Parents apply through the Childcare Service at gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare. They receive an 11-digit code.

Verifying Codes

You must verify each code before claiming funding:

1. Use your local authority's Provider Portal
2. Enter the child's date of birth, parent's NI number, and the code
3. The portal confirms if the code is valid
4. Record verification in the submission

Code Expiry

Codes must be reconfirmed by parents every 3 months. If a code expires:

• You can continue to claim for a 'grace period'
• Advise the parent to reconfirm their eligibility
• If not reconfirmed, they drop back to 15 hours