The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released updated guidance on how to claim Universal Credit benefits for parents with children.
A newly published webpage on GOV.UK details the additional financial support available for individuals responsible for child care. Those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, may be eligible for an extra £339 per month in Universal Credit.
For first children born on or after April 6, 2017, or for second children, the supplementary amount is £292.81. Generally, no additional payments are provided for third or subsequent children, except for specific circumstances like twins.
The extra benefits will be paid until the child’s 16th birthday, extending until age 19 if the child remains in full-time education or approved training.
Families with disabled children may receive an additional monthly amount, irrespective of the number of children.
The disabled child addition can be paid at either a lower rate of £158.76 or a higher rate of £423.27. The eligibility criteria for seeking employment and claiming Universal Credit are contingent on being the primary caregiver and the child’s age.
Designating a primary caregiver is necessary, with single parents automatically fulfilling this role. While there is no obligation to work when the youngest child is under one year old, parents are generally expected to start working or preparing for work by the time the child turns 3.
If not the primary caregiver and not employed full-time, individuals are typically expected to actively seek full-time employment.
The GOV.UK page outlines the process for reclaiming up to 85% of childcare expenses for those working or preparing to work while receiving Universal Credit.
The maximum monthly claim amounts are £1,031.88 for one child and £1,768.94 for two or more children. Eligible childcare providers include nurseries, preschools, after-school clubs, childminders, nannies, and school holiday clubs.
Claims for childcare costs must be made through the Universal Credit account, allowing for up to three months of retroactive childcare claims.
To ensure reimbursement, it is advisable to report childcare expenses promptly. Delaying reporting for more than two months may result in the inability to reclaim the funds.
Advance claims for up to three months of future childcare are permitted but reimbursement is only processed after the childcare services have been provided.