If you are on Universal Credit you can get up to 85% of your childcare costs paid back to you if you are using childcare whilst working.

The maximum amount for each assessment period is:
£1,071.09 for one child
£1,836.16 for 2 or more children

To be eligible you must:

• Receive Universal Credit
• Be working, including your partner if you have one
• Pay for childcare at an Ofsted Registered provider (including daycare, before or after school club, or holiday club)

How it works:

You pay your childcare invoice, then send a copy of your invoice and evidence of your payment to your Universal Credit Worker. Once the details are checked and your eligibility confirmed, you will receive up to 85% back via your Universal Credit account. 

Universal Credit Childcare can be used alongside government funded childcare to pay for additional hours. However, it cannot be used to claim for the cost of food. 

If you are due to start work you may be eligible for upfront support.

For more information speak to your Universal Credit Worker or visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-childcare-costs