Universal Credit Childcare Calculator
Get up to 85% of childcare costs covered through Universal Credit - that's up to £1,739/month for working families.
Universal Credit Childcare Support
How Much Is Covered?
| Your Monthly Childcare Cost | UC Pays (85%) | You Pay (15%) |
|---|---|---|
| £500 | £425.00 | £75.00 |
| £800 | £680.00 | £120.00 |
| £1,000 | £850.00 | £150.00 |
| £1,200 (1 child max) | £1,014.63 | £185.37 |
| £2,000 (2+ children max) | £1,739.37 | £260.63 |
Important: You must pay for childcare upfront and claim costs back through your UC journal. There can be a 1-month delay in receiving your first childcare payment.
Eligibility Requirements
Already on Universal Credit
You must already be receiving Universal Credit payments
Working Requirements
- • Single parent: must be working (any hours)
- • Couple: both must be working (or one working + one with limited capability)
- • No minimum earnings threshold like Tax-Free Childcare
Child Requirements
- • Child under 17 years old
- • Child lives with you
- • You're responsible for them
Childcare Requirements
- • Provider must be registered (Ofsted in England)
- • Includes nurseries, childminders, after-school clubs
- • Cannot be paid to relatives living with you
How to Claim UC Childcare Costs
Pay Your Childcare Provider
You must pay upfront - UC reimburses you afterwards
Get Proof of Payment
Bank statement, receipt, or invoice showing amount paid
Report in UC Journal
Add childcare costs in your online UC account within the assessment period
Provider Details
Submit provider name, address, and registration number
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Forgetting to report costs each month - you must claim every assessment period
- ⚠️Not keeping receipts - you may need to prove payments
- ⚠️Claiming for unregistered childcare - provider MUST be registered
- ⚠️Missing deadlines - report costs within the assessment period
- ⚠️Not budgeting for the first month - there's a delay before first payment
UC Childcare vs Tax-Free Childcare
| Feature | UC Childcare Element | Tax-Free Childcare |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 85% of costs | 25% top-up (you pay 80%) |
| Max per year (1 child) | £12,175 | £2,000 |
| Minimum income | None | £183.82/week each |
| Maximum income | UC limits apply | £100,000 each |
| Payment timing | Reimburses after you pay | Pay in, government tops up |
| Can use together? | No - must choose one | |
Which is better? If you're eligible for Universal Credit, the childcare element usually provides more support (85% vs 20%). However, you cannot claim both for the same childcare costs. Use the calculator to compare your personal situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much childcare does Universal Credit pay?
Universal Credit pays up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, with a maximum of £1,014.63 per month for one child or £1,739.37 for two or more children.
Do I need to pay childcare upfront on Universal Credit?
Yes, you must pay your childcare provider first and then report the costs through your UC journal. You'll be reimbursed 85% in your next UC payment, but there's typically a one-month delay for your first childcare payment.
Can I get UC childcare if I only work part-time?
Yes! There's no minimum hours requirement for UC childcare support. As long as you're working (even just a few hours per week) and meet other eligibility criteria, you can claim.
Can I use 30 hours free childcare with Universal Credit?
Yes, you can combine 30 hours free childcare (or 15 hours) with UC childcare support. UC can cover the costs of additional hours, meals, and extras beyond your free hours.
How do I report childcare costs?
Log into your Universal Credit online account (journal), go to "Report childcare costs", and enter the amount paid, dates, and provider details. You'll need your provider's registration number.
What if my childcare costs change each month?
Report the actual amount you pay each month. If you pay different amounts (e.g., during school holidays), report what you actually paid during each assessment period.
Can I backdate childcare costs?
You can usually only claim for childcare paid during your current assessment period or possibly the previous one. Report costs as soon as you pay them to avoid missing out.
What counts as registered childcare?
Ofsted-registered nurseries, childminders, nannies (via an agency), out-of-school clubs, and play schemes. You cannot claim for relatives who live with you or unregistered providers.
Calculate Your Total Childcare Support
Use our comprehensive calculator to see all available support including UC childcare element, 30 hours free, and other government schemes.
Go to Full Calculator