Can I get help with childcare costs on Universal Credit?

• Up to 85% of childcare costs reimbursed through UC
• Maximum reimbursement: £1,031.88 per month for one child
• Maximum reimbursement: £1,768.94 per month for two or more children
• Costs must be for registered or approved childcare providers

You need to be working (or about to start work) and using registered childcare. In a couple, both partners usually need to be working — unless one cannot work because of disability, illness, or being a carer. Self-employed parents qualify on the same basis as employed parents.

If you've just been offered a job, UC can pay up-front childcare costs for the first month, before your wage arrives. This is called the Flexible Support Fund (or up-front childcare cost help) and it's there specifically so childcare doesn't block you from accepting work. Speak to your work coach as soon as you have a confirmed start date.

• Report childcare costs in your UC journal each month, with receipts or invoices.
• Costs must be paid in the assessment period you're claiming for.
• You have up to 3 assessment periods to report costs — late reports may still be accepted.
• Keep proof: dates, amounts, provider name, registration number.

• Registered childminders, nurseries and play schemes
• Approved out-of-school clubs and after-school care
• Home-care from approved providers
• Care from approved foster carers (other than your child's)

Childcare from a family member is generally not eligible — even if they're a registered childminder — if the care happens in your home and only covers your child.

• If you have a new job starting next month: ask for up-front childcare costs through the Flexible Support Fund.
• If your child is starting school: term-time-only wraparound care still qualifies.
• If you're using Tax-Free Childcare: you usually cannot use both UC childcare and Tax-Free Childcare for the same child. Run a comparison.
• If you're a couple where one partner doesn't work: you may still qualify if that partner has a disability, is a carer, or is on maternity leave.
• If your hours are irregular: report childcare in the period it was paid — even if your earnings don't match exactly.
• If your child has SEND: care from registered specialist providers usually qualifies and the disabled child element of UC may also apply.

Tax-Free Childcare gives 20% off costs — £2 for every £8 you pay in, up to £500 per quarter per child. UC pays 85%, far more generous, but only for parents in work. Higher earners usually do better with Tax-Free Childcare; low-to-middle earners with significant childcare costs usually do better with UC. You can switch — but typically not for the same child at the same time.

• Use the checker to see whether UC is likely to be more generous than Tax-Free Childcare for your household.
• Ask your work coach about up-front childcare costs if you're starting work soon.
• Keep receipts every month — late or missing receipts cause most childcare claim problems.
• Speak to Citizens Advice if your provider isn't registered — there may be options.