The Department for Work and Pensions has issued important new guidance for families claiming Universal Credit, detailing significant additional financial support available for those responsible for children.
Enhanced Monthly Payments For Families
According to the freshly updated GOV.UK page, your eligibility for extra monthly payments depends on when your children were born. If your first child was born before April 6, 2017, you could receive an additional £339 per month through Universal Credit.
For families whose first child arrived on or after this date, or for those claiming for a second child, the extra amount stands at £292.81 monthly. Typically, no further payments are made for a third or subsequent child, though exceptions exist for multiple births like twins.
These additional amounts continue until August 31 following your child's 16th birthday, extending to age 19 if they remain in full-time education or approved training.
Additional Support For Disabled Children
The DWP guidance confirms that families with disabled children can receive extra support regardless of the total number of children in the household. The disabled child addition is paid at two rates: a lower rate of £158.76 or a higher rate of £423.27 monthly.
This financial assistance is provided in addition to any other child payments you may be receiving, offering crucial support for families facing additional care costs.
Childcare Cost Reclaims And Work Expectations
The updated information clarifies how work expectations change based on your children's ages and your caring responsibilities. When your youngest child is under one, there's no work requirement. Generally, by the time they turn three, you're expected to start working or preparing for employment.
For those employed or about to start work, you can reclaim up to 85% of your childcare costs through Universal Credit. The maximum monthly amounts you can claim are substantial: £1,031.88 for one child or £1,768.94 for two or more children.
Eligible childcare includes registered providers such as:
- Nurseries and preschools
- After-school clubs and breakfast clubs
- Registered childminders and nannies
- School holiday clubs
Claims must be made through your Universal Credit account, covering up to three months of past childcare. The DWP strongly advises reporting childcare costs immediately after payment, as delays beyond two months might result in non-reimbursement.
While you can claim up to three months in advance for future childcare, reimbursement only occurs after the childcare has been delivered. Single parents are automatically considered primary carers, while couples need to designate one parent as the primary carer for Universal Credit purposes.
