Universal Credit childcare costs: getting up to 85% back
If you pay for childcare so you can work, Universal Credit can pay back up to 85% of the cost. It covers registered nurseries, childminders, nannies, breakfast and after-school clubs and holiday clubs. The catch is timing: you normally pay first and claim it back, so it pays to understand the rules.
How much you can get
| Maximum per monthly assessment period | Amount |
|---|---|
| One child | £1,071.09 |
| Two or more children | £1,836.16 |
You get up to 85% of your actual costs, up to these limits. The childcare amount is part of your total Universal Credit payment, so the total can still go up or down with your earnings.
Who qualifies
- You must be in paid work, or starting a job within the next month. There is no minimum number of hours.
- If you live with a partner, you both need to be working — unless your partner cannot look after the children because they have limited capability for work, care for a severely disabled person, or are temporarily away (for example in hospital).
- You can also qualify while getting Statutory Sick Pay, or statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption or neonatal care pay, or Maternity Allowance.
- Volunteering for expenses only does not count.
You can claim for each child until 31 August after their 16th birthday.
What childcare counts
The provider must be registered — usually with Ofsted in England, the Care Inspectorate in Scotland or Care Inspectorate Wales. Universal Credit covers "reasonable" costs that help you work or get into work, which can include a settling-in period before you start a job, childcare while you travel to work, and childcare in the assessment period after you lose a job. Costs for changing shift patterns or zero-hours work can also count.
Reporting your costs — don't miss the deadline
- Report costs in your online account as soon as you pay them.
- You must report them in the assessment period you paid them, or the one after. Report later and you might not get the money back.
- You only get money back for childcare that has actually happened. If you pay in advance, you can report up to three assessment periods of future costs at once (with proof); they are paid back across those periods, not as a lump sum.
- Keep proof: invoices or receipts showing the provider, the child, the dates and the amount paid.
Tip: arranging to pay your provider monthly and reporting straight away keeps your childcare costs flowing into each payment.
Help with upfront costs
If you cannot afford to pay first, ask for help when you are:
- starting work — you may get all your childcare costs paid for the first month
- increasing your hours — you may get the extra costs paid for one month
- asked for a deposit or retainer by your provider
Apply through your journal or your work coach. You do not have to pay this help back. Separately, Universal Credit can also help with job-start costs such as childcare before your first wage — see advances and job expenses.
Childcare and other schemes
Tax-Free Childcare and Free Childcare for Working Parents are separate government schemes with their own rules. Check GOV.UK before signing up to another scheme, and use a benefits calculator or ask your work coach which option leaves you better off.
Questions? Universal Credit helpline 0800 328 5644, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (free).
Frequently asked questions
How much childcare does Universal Credit pay?
Up to 85% of your costs, to a maximum of £1,071.09 a month for one child or £1,836.16 for two or more.
Do I have to pay childcare upfront?
Usually yes, then claim it back. Help with upfront costs may be available when you start work or increase your hours.
When must I report childcare costs?
In the assessment period you paid them or the next one. Later and you may not get the money back.
Does my partner need to work?
Yes, unless they cannot care for the children because of a health condition, caring for a disabled person, or being temporarily away.
Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.