How much help with childcare costs can I get on Universal Credit?

For working parents on Universal Credit who pay for registered childcare.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

If you are working, Universal Credit can pay back up to 85% of your childcare costs, up to a monthly limit (2026/27).

The most you can get is £1,071.09 a month for 1 child, or £1,836.16 for 2 or more.
There is no minimum number of hours you must work.
If you live with a partner, you both usually need to work.
The childcare must be registered, such as with Ofsted in England.
Report what you paid within the assessment period you paid it or the one after.
You cannot use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Up to 85% of childcare costs
Max £1,071.09 a month for 1 child
Max £1,836.16 for 2 or more
Report costs within 2 periods

Childcare limits for 2026/27

Number of children	Most you can get a month	Costs you need to reach the limit
1 child	£1,071.09	about £1,260 a month
2 or more children	£1,836.16	about £2,160 a month

In 2025/26 the limits were £1,031.88 and £1,768.94. The new limits apply from 6 April 2026.

How much you get back

Universal Credit pays up to 85% of what you actually paid, up to the limit.

Example 1: you pay £800 a month for nursery for one child. 85% of £800 is £680. This is under the £1,071.09 limit, so you get £680 added to your Universal Credit.

Example 2: you pay £2,400 a month for three children. 85% is £2,040. This is over the £1,836.16 limit, so you get £1,836.16.

Your earnings can still reduce your total Universal Credit in the usual way.

Who can get it

You are in paid work, or starting a job in the next month. There is no minimum number of hours.
If you have a partner, they must work too, unless they have limited capability for work, care for a severely disabled person, or are temporarily away.
You can also qualify while getting Statutory Sick Pay, maternity, paternity, adoption or shared parental pay, Maternity Allowance or Statutory Neonatal Care Pay.
You can claim for children up to 31 August after their 16th birthday.

What childcare counts

The provider must be registered with Ofsted (England), the Care Inspectorate (Scotland) or Care Inspectorate Wales. This can include nurseries, preschools, childminders, nannies, breakfast and after-school clubs, and holiday clubs.

How to claim it

Pay your childcare provider.
Report the cost in your Universal Credit online account as soon as you pay.

Deadline: you must report costs within the assessment period you paid them, or the assessment period after. If you report later, you might not get the money back. You can also report costs paid in advance for up to 3 future assessment periods, if you have proof.

Help with upfront costs

If you are starting work or working more hours, you may get help with the first month's childcare or a deposit. You will not have to pay this back. Ask your work coach.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Scotland and Wales: the same rules and limits apply. Use a provider registered with the Care Inspectorate or Care Inspectorate Wales.
Northern Ireland: Universal Credit also pays up to 85%, and the provider must be registered with the relevant Health and Social Care Trust. Check nidirect for current details.

Related guides

Where these figures come from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Read the GOV.UK childcare guide

Common questions

Do I have to pay childcare first?

Usually yes. You pay the provider, report the cost, and Universal Credit pays some back. Help with upfront costs may be available when you start work.

Can I get Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit?

No. You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare if you are on Universal Credit.

How many hours do I need to work?

There is no minimum. You need to be in paid work, or starting a job within the next month.

Official sources

1.Universal Credit childcare costs (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-childcare-costs
2.Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027 (DWP)www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027/proposed-benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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