What are grace periods?
Grace periods are an extended period of funding that families could receive if they fall out of eligibility for the Working Parent Entitlements. This gives parents a short period of time to re-confirm their code or seek employment.
The table below outlines the parameters of grace periods.
| Date Parent receives ineligible decision | Grace period end date |
|---|---|
| 1 January – 10 February | 31 March |
| 11 February – 31 March | 31 August |
| 1 April – 26 May | 31 August |
| 27 May – 31 August | 31 December |
| 1 September – 21 October | 31 December |
| 22 October – 31 December | 31 March |
Once the grace period has ended for 3 and 4 year olds, they will still be able to access the Universal Entitlement.
Children aged 9 months to 2 years accessing the Working Parent Entitlements but who fall out of eligibility, will mean parents will have to pay for their childcare but can review if they could receive other support for childcare costs at Best Start for Life
