Childcare costs support

Lesson 6 of 13 in our free Benefits & Support guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Benefits & Support is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Priya works and claims UC. Her registered childminder costs £600 this month for one child. How much can UC cover?

Priya's twins' nursery costs £2,400 a month. What's the most UC can cover?

Myth: “You can claim UC childcare costs for any babysitter, including a mate.” — The childcare has to be from a registered or approved provider.
Fact: “You usually pay the childcare first and then report it to get it back in UC.” — Yes — report it in your journal with proof, and do it promptly; there are time limits.
Myth: “The UC two-child limit still applies in 2026/27.” — It was removed from 6 April 2026. The overall benefit cap still applies, though.
Fact: “Child Benefit is separate from UC and is claimed on its own.” — Yes — it's a different payment from HMRC (£27.05 a week for the first child in 2026/27).