Universal credit and childcare

Mrsn

You pay the bill and the nursery will need to give you something that says paid on it. You then upload this to your UC journal (you can take a photo and upload it...) they then pay the costs from that.

If you pay upfront for the months fees you might find you get half back one month and half back the next because it goes on what month the childcare fell within the assessment periods. It sounds complicated but once you get your head round it then it’s fine honestly.

calcotti

It’s explained in the links. Perhaps this one is clearer https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/your-responsibilities

If you get support with childcare costs
You must:

• report your childcare costs when you pay them

• prove you’ve paid your childcare provider

You’ll need to show proof of:

• your childcare provider for each child, for example an invoice or contract that includes the provider’s registration number and full contact details

• the amount you paid and when you paid it, for example a receipt or bank statement

You can report childcare costs and provide proof that you’ve paid by signing in to your Universal Credit account.
You’ll usually get the childcare amount in your next Universal Credit payment.
If you pay for childcare after it’s been provided, you can claim up to 3 months of past costs at a time. There may be a limit to how much you get back if you claim for more than one month’s fees at a time. Talk to your work coach for advice.
If you pay for childcare in advance, you can claim up to 3 months of advance costs at a time. You’ll be paid back in your monthly Universal Credit payments during the months the childcare is for.

kirsty_baird

thanks so much. I was just unsure how I uploaded everything but understand now. Just need find £500 for next month 🤣