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<p>We know that for some UC claimants’, the cost of childcare makes it more difficult
to enter work. To support parents to start work, eligible UC claimants can claim back
up to 85% of their registered childcare costs each month regardless of the number
of hours they work. This is higher than under tax credits, which reimbursed up to
70%.</p><p> </p><p>This is up to the maximum amount of £646.35 per month for one child
and £1,108.04 per month for two or more children. For families with two children,
this could be worth up to £13,000 a year. Currently we do not have any plans to increase
the childcare caps but continue to keep the policy under review.</p><p> </p><p>In
cases where people need to pay for childcare upfront, prior to starting work, Work
Coaches can use the Flexible Support Fund for eligible claimants to meet these costs
until their first wage is received.</p><p> </p><p>The UC childcare policy aligns with
the wider government childcare offer in England and there are similar funded early
learning offers in devolved nations. The free childcare offer provides 15 hours a
week of free childcare in England for all 3 and 4 year olds and disadvantaged 2 year
olds, doubling for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds to 30 hours a week.</p><p>
</p><p>The UC childcare element can be used to top up a claimant’s eligible free childcare
hours if more hours are worked and childcare required.</p><p> </p>
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