Extra money to help with your childcare costs | Tenant news

If you’re a parent on Universal Credit you’ll be able to claim £100s more each month from the Government to help with your childcare costs, from 28 June.

In his March budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also promised one month’s childcare paid upfront for eligible parents receiving universal credit.

What’s changing?

Currently, if you’re working and on Universal Credit, you can get back 85% of the costs of your childcare to a maximum of £646.

But from 28 June, the maximum amount you can claim back for one child, each month, is rising from £646 to £951. And if you have two or more children, you’ll be able to claim a maximum of £1,630 each month (previously £1,108).

Childcare costs

Many working parents are faced with paying their childcare costs before the care has even taken place, and applying for a refund for the money you’ve paid once the care has taken place.

However from 28 June, if you’re receiving Universal Credit and moving into work or significantly increasing your working hours, you can get help with upfront childcare costs.

Need more help?

If you’re not entitled to Universal Credit, but would like to check that you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, MoneySavingExpert has an easy-to-use benefits checker that will help ensure you’re not missing out on any financial help.

Also, check out their Help with childcare costs for a helpful summary of childcare cost options and financial help for working parents.