This communication explains what you need to do so your AIM Level 7 payments can be processed. The first payment will be made by 7 September 2026 and will reflect from the beginning of the 2026/2027 programme call.
For AIM Level 7 payments to be processed, the following must be in place:
The AIM Level 7 confirmation form must be submitted and approved for all year 1, year 2 and year 3 children. (This was previously called the AIM Level 7 application form).
Each AIM child must have an active ECCE and/or confirmed NCS registration in place.
A service must have completed ECCE and NCS pre-contracting steps.
Please Note: Payments cannot be made unless the AIM Level 7 confirmation form has been submitted and the child has an active ECCE and/or confirmed NCS registration.
To avoid delays, please ensure all registrations and programme information are accurate and up to date.
AIM payment schedule
As part of AIM simplification, AIM payments are now directly linked to eligible ECCE registrations and NCS claims. Therefore, from September 2026, AIM Level 7 payments will be made one week in arrears. This means payment is based on the previous week’s eligible ECCE registrations and NCS claims.
To support timely payments, please ensure registrations remain active and accurate throughout the programme year.
Viewing AIM payment information on the Early Years Hive
This guide provides more information on viewing AIM Level 7 payments information on the Early Years Hive.
Training on AIM Level 7 capitations and allocations will be held on Thursday 3 September 2026. The training invitation will be issued shortly.
Contact us
If you have any queries regarding the AIM programme, please contact the Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) by raising a request on Hive using the following categories:
Programme: Select the relevant AIM Level
Request Type: Application
Request Type Detail: How To
Regards,
The Early Years Team
