Universal Credit Childcare

deece1

Hi,

I would really appreciate some help.

I struggle with anxiety and depression and applied for childcare refund costs approximately 10 months after I paid it off to my daughter’s after school costs via my credit card - £750.

I supplied a letter from my Doctor confirming my mental health challenges, the medication I take and a letter from my Psychotherapist confirming the same. UC kept pushing back saying I should have applied for the refund within the correct time period. I have challenged this all the way through to the final review and they have refused to pay. I don’t know what to do. I have another £450 childcare cost for 2025 and I don’t have the money to pay for this which will most likely result in losing my job.

What can I do? I am still unwell and I don’t know where to turn.

Thank you.

KxMx

By final review what do you mean? 

Stage 1is asking for a Mandatory Reconsideration. 

Stage 2 is independent appeal tribunal.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/challenging-a-universal-credit-decision-mandatory-consideration/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/appealing-a-universal-credit-decision-at-a-tribunal/

rosewalk

I assume that when you say you went all the way to the final review that you appealed the decision but that you lost the appeal. It doesn't sound as if there is anything more that you can do to pursue this. You say that you now have to find another £450 to pay for 2025. I would advise that you contact a local advice organisation such as CAB or Welfare Rights to get advice on the £450 that you owe. They may be able to help you to get this money from UC or may be able to help you to access financial support such as the Local Welfare Support Scheme. 

deece1

Thank you both for replying. I have got as far as Mandatory Reconsideration and been rejected - please see attached.

This decision is going to have a massive impact for me as I am a single mum with 2 children and work part time.

KxMx

You now have the right to appeal to an independent appeal tribunal, please see link provided. 

If you need support with the process:
https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/ 

huckster

I don't think you would be successful going to Courts Tribunal appeal, as UC online accounts are available 24/7 365 days of the year.  Although you have been suffering with poor mental health, you did not report the Childcare costs until 10 month after you paid for the Childcare.  The Court process is taking approximately 9 months.

I think you need to somehow find the means to pay for the current Childcare due and report the Childcare costs as soon as you have paid them.

Have you spoken to your employers about any support they can offer ?  Depending on the employment type and how long you have worked for the employers, they may be willing to advance some future pay and then apply a deduction to future months pay over a period of time

And have you spoken to your Bank about any help available ?  Your Bank will want you to stay in employment and be able to pay the financial commitments you are liable for.

deece1

Thank you. I will start the application for an Independent Appeal Tribunal.

Based on the links you provided above I am also going to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.