Universal Credit for childcare - children under 17

• For working families claiming Universal Credit, in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
• With children under 17*
• Up to 85% of eligible childcare costs
• Who aren't receiving Tax-Free Childcare 

Am I eligible?

You, and any partner, must be working, or you're due to start work, and are claiming Universal Credit.

Whether you can claim will depend on your personal circumstances.

How can I benefit?

Eligible working parents on Universal Credit are now able to receive even more financial help with their childcare costs for children under 17. This can be to up to the maximum amount of £951 per month for 1 child or up to £1,630 per month for 2 or more children.

Use an independent benefits calculator to find out what you could get

You can use it to help pay:

• Registered childminders, nurseries, and nannies
• Registered after-school clubs and playschemes
• Registered schools
• Home careworkers working for a registered home care agency

Furthermore, eligible working parents claiming Universal Credit are now able to receive even more financial help with their childcare costs, and additional financial support with upfront payments when moving into paid work or increasing their working hours.

Eligible parents claiming Universal Credit are also able to get additional help paying their childcare costs upfront when moving into paid work or increasing their working hours. Parents who need this help should speak to their Universal Credit work coach who can provide more information.

You can't claim Universal Credit at the same time as:

• Tax credits
• Tax-Free Childcare 

* The childcare cost element in Universal Credit is paid up to the end of August following the child's 16th birthday.

Access more information about claiming childcare costs as part of Universal Credit.