Tax-free childcare - an answer I can't find anywhere!

Jon123L

Hi everyone, I've looked everywhere and can't find an answer to this.
I have resigned from my employer and so understand that I will leave their childcare voucher scheme and need to instead sign up to tax-free childcare.
My question is, at what point do I register for tax-free childcare, in order to not have a gap where I'm not either one of the schemes? Do I register now or wait until after my final pay cheque (my final day at my current job  in two weeks, but my final pay will be end of February)?
Thank you!

GrumpyDil

https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare
See link above. Are you sure you will qualify for tax free child care? 

Jon123L

Thank you, but the first thing I did was read that page and it doesn't answer my specific question. I am not switching from childcare vouchers to tax-free childcare volunerily, I have to because I am leaving my employer and so childcare vouchers must stop for me. I have no choice but to go to tax-free childcare, whether or not I end up qualifying or not.

My question is, at what point should I apply?

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/childcare-service-helpline