HMRC working entitlement deadline 31st March 2026

This is a reminder that if you have any new children that want to claim working entitlement funding from the 1st April 2026 (summer term) they will need to have applied and received their working entitlement code from HMRC by 31st March 2026.

Any codes issued from 1st April onwards cannot be used for the summer funding period. It is important that your contracts with parents are accurate so that funding is included where a code has been provided and checked for eligibility, or that hours booked are privately paid for as per your charging policies.

We have our Working Entitlement (15/30 hour funding) – Summer 2026 guidance that covers new applications, reconfirmations, and grace periods.  It also includes a parent template letter that you can share with all families.

Whilst it is the parents’ responsibility to apply and reconfirm their working entitlement code, the funding that is now available for younger children is a huge benefit to families and providers. Any prompts that you can give to parents before the deadline will hopefully avoid difficult conversations with parents if funding is not available.