Funded childcare for foster carers

4. How to apply

2 year olds

To apply for 15 hours of funded childcare for 2 year olds, talk to your social worker who can complete a referral on your behalf.

3 and 4 year olds

To claim the 15 hours that all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to, contact a childcare provider that offers this service.

To find out more about childcare providers see funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds.

You may be able to get up to 30 hours a week if you meet the eligibility criteria for working foster carers.

Childcare for working foster carers

Follow the steps below to apply for:

• 15 hours funded childcare for 9 months to 23 months old children
• 30 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year old children

1. Talk to your foster child's social worker

You should start to discuss funded childcare either:

• as the child approaches becoming age eligible
• or when you (or your partner, if you have one) decide to take up additional work

For more information see the section about when to apply.

These discussions should normally happen as part of your usual supervision meetings and review process.

2. Complete the application form

• Application for funded childcare for children in foster care (DOCX 1 MB)  

The child's social worker should also sign the form and send it to us.

You will need to show the social worker evidence that you are in paid employment, such as recent pay slips or a tax return form.

3. Wait for your eligibility code

We will send you an 11-digit code by email to take to your chosen childcare provider.

Your code will have a start date and an end date. Make a note of the end date as this is when you will need to reconfirm your eligibility.

4. Reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months

To reconfirm your eligibility complete the following form:

• Reconfirmation statement for funded childcare for children in foster care (DOCX 1MB) 

The child's social worker will also need to sign this form and send it to us. They should be satisfied that:

• the placement is ongoing
• accessing the funded hours is still consistent with the child’s care plan
• you are still engaging in paid work outside your role as a foster carer

We will notify you in advance to allow time for social workers to complete the reconfirmation application.

If you are no longer eligible speak to your childcare provider about the 'grace period'.

This is a set period of time to support you to continue accessing funded childcare while you look for other employment should you choose to do so.