Uc & tfc

Debtfreemooo

Help! I’ve just started getting Universal Credit and didn’t realise I couldn’t still use Tax Free Childcare. Universal credit now want proof of last months childcare but the amount on my childminders invoice vs my bank statement will be 20% less. Can I not claim UC on this?
Thanks

calcotti

There’s a guide on UC and childcare here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-childcare/universal-credit-childcare-guide

You haven’t explained why the amount of the invoice is different to the amount you have paid. If the payment is for the same period as the invoice they should match. I am not familiar with UC childcare costs but I think you get UC childcare support for the cost of childcare that took place in the previous assessment period.

Debtfreemooo

With tax free childcare you pay into tour account 20% less than the bill and the govt too it up. Eg let’s say my bill was £400, I would add £320 to my tax free childcare account then the govt would add £80 to my account and then I’d send that across to the childminder.
What I now know is that you cannot use two different schemes at the same time.
So when UC ask for my proof, my bank statement shows I paid £320 but my childminders invoice shows £400 - if that makes sense?

calcotti

Debtfreemooo wrote: »

With tax free childcare you pay into tour account 20% less than the bill and the govt too it up. Eg let’s say my bill was £400, I would add £320 to my tax free childcare account then the govt would add £80 to my account and then I’d send that across to the childminder.
What I now know is that you cannot use two different schemes at the same time.
So when UC ask for my proof, my bank statement shows I paid £320 but my childminders invoice shows £400 - if that makes sense?

I understand - not an area I'm familiar with. I'm not sure what UC will be based on. In your situation I would give them both details and let them sort it out. However it would be good if somebody else is able to tell you what should happen!