Announcement:

   

28/08/2026 - 10:00
PLEASE NOTE - The ECS will be shut down on Saturday 15th August. Only Working Family checks and creation of Foster Care codes will be able to be processed after this date. FSM, EY and EYPP checks will have to be performed using the new ECE via  a DfE Sign In account.

The ECS is working as normal today.

Welcome

Welcome to the ECS.

Welcome to the Eligibility Checking System.

This site allows you to perform queries for checking eligibility for:
  • Childcare for Working Parents (this applies to England only)

To perform checks for free school meals, use the Manage eligibility for free school meals service.

To perform checks for early years pupil premium and early learning for 2-year-olds, use the Manage eligibility for childcare support service.

You will need a DfE Sign-in account to use these services.


Note: This system is for use by invitation only. By continuing to use this system you are agreeing to any criteria outlined in your invitation.

If you are a Local Authority user of the ECS and require assistance, please contact the Customer Help Portal. On the main page of enquiry options, please select ‘Get help with DfE services’ then continue. On the next page, please select ‘Eligibility Checking Service’ then continue.

Knowledge Hub – Previously Communities of Practice

To network and share experiences with colleagues using the Eligibility Checking Service and for ideas about how to get applications online and maximise take up, you can visit the Knowledge Hub which is part of the Local Government Association website at: khub.net/lga.