Universal Credit childcare costs in September: How families can claim up to £1,836

As children head back to school and childcare arrangements often changing in September, now is the time to check how much help you can get with costs.

The amount families claiming Universal Credit can claim has increased since last year, with up to £1,836.16 in support available for childcare costs each assessment period.

This can help parents with the expense of nurseries, childminders, breakfast clubs and after-school care.

Eligible families able to claim back up to 85% of their approved childcare costs.

Here's who can qualify, how much you could get and how to claim.

Universal Credit childcare costs: Who can get up to £1,836 and how to claim

Universal Credit can cover up to 85% of eligible childcare costs if you meet the rules.

From April 2026, the maximum you can get each assessment period increased to:

• £1,071.09 for one child

• £1,836.16 for two or more children

The actual amount you will receive depends on how much childcare you pay for, you won't automatically get the maximum amount.

The support is paid as part of your Universal Credit payment after you have paid for the childcare and reported the costs.

Who can claim Universal Credit childcare costs?

You may be able to get help with childcare costs if you are receiving Universal Credit and are in paid work or due to start a job within the next month.

There is no minimum number of hours you need to work.

If you live with a partner, you will normally both need to be in paid work unless your partner can't look after your children because, for example, they have a health condition or disability.

You can claim childcare costs for children you are responsible for until 31 August after their 16th birthday.

Which childcare costs can Universal Credit pay for?

The childcare needs to be provided by a registered provider and the costs must be considered reasonable for helping you work or get into work.

This can include:

• Nurseries

• Preschools

• Registered childminders

• Nannies

• Breakfast clubs

• After-school clubs

• Holiday clubs

The rules can also cover childcare needed while you travel to work, as well as certain changes to your working pattern.

How do you claim childcare costs on Universal Credit?

You normally need to pay your childcare costs first and then report what you have paid through your Universal Credit account.

You should report the costs as soon as you pay them. You must do this within the assessment period in which you paid them or the following assessment period. If you report them later, you might not get the money back.

You can report your childcare costs when you first make a Universal Credit claim or at any point afterwards.

You'll need evidence of your childcare provider and payments. This could include a contract, invoice or letter from the provider, as well as evidence such as bank statements, receipts or paid invoices.

Can you get help with childcare upfront?

Normally, you have to pay for childcare before Universal Credit reimburses you.

However, there is help available if you can't afford the upfront cost in certain circumstances.

You may be able to get help if you're starting work, increasing your working hours or need to pay a deposit or retainer to your childcare provider.

If you're starting a new job, you may be able to get all of your childcare costs paid for the first month. If you're increasing your hours, you may be able to get the additional childcare costs paid for one month.

To ask for help with upfront childcare costs, you can update your Universal Credit journal or speak to your work coach or someone at your local Jobcentre. The money does not have to be paid back.

When will I get my Universal Credit childcare money?

You will only get money back for childcare after the childcare has actually taken place.

If you pay for childcare after it has been provided, your costs will usually be included in the same assessment period when you report them.

You should try to arrange monthly payments with your childcare provider and report the costs as soon as you pay them. This can help make sure the costs are included in each relevant Universal Credit payment.

Can you claim Tax-Free Childcare as well as Universal Credit?

You can't claim Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as Universal Credit.

Check which form of support is best for your circumstances before deciding which scheme to use.

You can use the government's childcare calculator to check what help you may be entitled to, including Universal Credit childcare support and other childcare schemes.