To be eligible you must be claiming one of the following:

• Income Support
  
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  
• Support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act
  
• Tax credits and have an annual income under £16,190 before tax
  
• The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  
• The Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
  
• Universal Credit - If you and your partner are on a low income from work (this means a combined income of less than £15,400 a year after tax)

 2-year-olds are also entitled to a place if:

1. They are looked after by a local council
   
2. They have left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order
   
3. They have a current statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education health and care plan
   
4. The child has a disability and is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance
5. Zambrano Parent/Carer

If you are applying under 1 to 5 do not apply online. Ring Families Information Service 0800 0345 340 and we will talk you through what you need to do 

You can apply from when your child is 18 months, but if you apply too early it will show as 'not found' or 'unsuccessful'.

The best time to apply is when your child turns 2 years old, or the week when your child has their 2nd birthday. 

If you receive a letter from BMBC (Barnsley Council) you still need to apply. The letter alone is not proof of eligibility, and will not be accepted by childcare settings. The letter tells you how to apply. 

1. Click the 'apply online' box below this section, which prompts you to create a 'Parent Portal' account.
2. Follow the online instructions, you'll need to add details for you and your child.
3. If you are eligible the system will give you a 6-digit code. Keep this safe.
4. It is important that you remember the email and password that you use, as you will need to log back into your Parent Portal account if you forget your eligibility code, and in the future to apply for your child/children's school place.

Or

• Ring Families Information Service on 0800 0345 340. Ask for an assisted application. (you will need your National Insurance number).
• Email: infofis@barnsley.gov.uk your name and number and we will ring you
• Message us on Facebook with your name and number and we will ring you

• The system will generate a 6 digit code, keep this code safe
• Take this code to your childcare provider so that they can claim the funding to pay for your childcare.

If your child’s 2nd birthday is between:

• 1st January to 31st March they can start the beginning of the Summer term on or after 1st April
  
• 1st April to 31st August they can start the beginning of the Autumn term on or after 1st September
  
• 1st September to 31st December they can start the beginning of the Spring term on or after 1st January
  

If your child is eligible the funding will be paid directly to the setting.