Universal credit and childcare

kirsty_baird

Hi,
I posted a while ago fiance works full time 42 hours a week, on minimum wage, I got made redundant during the virus. We have a 3 year old child who was due to start private childcare 3 days a week which suited my pervious job.

Was worried about securing a job which suited our family however got offered a job in a school 15 hours a week, term time at £9.60 an hour. Problem being we have now missed the cut off for council nursery which us term time, 9 to 3 which would suit us perfectly and earliest they will review is end of September for possible October start.

Our child is due to start nursery 2 days a week in next few weeks as we cut it to the 2 as they are fully funded until i begin work, are we entitled to help with childcare putting him in the full days until he is able to get into a council nursery which would be free as 30 hours. The childcare cost is £500 per month on top of his free hours as the nursery is open all year.
I'm not sure where to ask as never claimed before  i did post on my universal credits journal asking but had no reply. I also don't have a start date due to the virus.

Thanks

kirsty_baird

I should add my 15 hours are contracted but I can pick up overtime so if he is in full days intend to try do more.

Mrsn

Nothing in your post would make me think you wouldn’t be able to get help with the childcare costs but I would just to be sure have a look at the benefit entitlement calculators such as entitled to or turn2us as they will give you a good idea of if you’ll get some help. 

kirsty_baird

They seem to say we would get more universal credit than we currently are getting which covers what it would cost which confused me. Thank you

poppy12345

UC will cover up to 85% of your childcare costs. The only issue is, you have to pay the costs first and then claim it back. See link.

https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/universal-credit Use a benefits calculator. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=d1161d44-6fce-4b70-a0b7-5ff08c40a0d7

kirsty_baird

I have some redundancy money left over which should cover it however does that mean we will always be 500 down if had to pay the first month if that makes sense.

Thanks so much for help means I can take the job without worrying can't deal with being off miss the routine

calcotti

Childckirsty_baird said:

I have some redundancy money left over which should cover it however does that mean we will always be 500 down if had to pay the first month if that makes sense.

Childcare support in UC is always paid in arrears. You have to provide evidence that you have paid it in order to claim the support.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-childcare/universal-credit-childcare-guide
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/new-to-universal-credit/children-and-childcare/

kirsty_baird

Thanks so we will always be like the 500 we pay down sort of thing. Does the nursery just send the proof over or do I send bill once paid each month sorry never had to do this before

poppy12345

kirsty_baird said:

Thanks so we will always be like the 500 we pay down sort of thing.

Yes as previously advised, it's paid in arrears.

calcotti

kirsty_baird said:

Thanks so we will always be like the 500 we pay down sort of thing. Does the nursery just send the proof over or do I send bill once paid each month sorry never had to do this before

Please take time to read the links which have even posted tied in practice previous replies, then ask questions if it is not clear.  You need to report childcare costs through your UC journal.

kirsty_baird

I did read them having never had to claim before I was unsure hence why I asked!