The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released updated guidelines for individuals seeking to claim Universal Credit with dependent children.
A newly published webpage on GOV.UK details the additional assistance available to those responsible for caring for a child. If your first child was born prior to April 6, 2017, you 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 supplemental amount is £292.81. Typically, there are no additional payments for a third or subsequent child, although exceptions exist, such as receiving extra support for one child in the case of twins.
Any extra funds received will be disbursed until August 31 following the child’s 16th birthday. Continued payments can be received until the child reaches age 19 if they are pursuing full-time education or approved training.
Individuals with disabled children may receive an additional monthly allowance regardless of the number of children they have.
The disabled child addition can be paid at either a lower rate of £158.76 or a higher rate of £423.27. In terms of employment and Universal Credit claims, the main carer’s status and the child’s age are determining factors, as outlined on the GOV.UK page.
Designating a main carer is necessary, and single parents automatically assume this role. While there is no obligation to work when the youngest child is under one year old, individuals are generally expected to seek employment or prepare for work by the time the child turns 3.
If not the main carer and not working full-time, individuals are typically expected to actively seek full-time employment.
The GOV.UK page also provides information on reclaiming up to 85% of childcare expenses for those working or preparing to work while receiving Universal Credit.
The maximum monthly reimbursement for childcare is £1,031.88 for one child or £1,768.94 for two or more children. Eligible childcare services include registered providers such as nurseries, preschools, childminders, and school-related programs.
Claims for childcare costs must be submitted through the Universal Credit account, allowing for up to three months of retroactive childcare claims.
Prompt reporting of childcare expenses is advised, as delays exceeding two months may result in forfeiture of reimbursement. Up to three months of future childcare costs can also be claimed in advance, with reimbursement upon completion of the childcare service.
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