DWP points contemporary steerage for households on Universal Credit
The Department for Work and Pensions has issued new guidance for Universal Credit claimants with children
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued new advice for Universal Credit claimants with children. A new webpage on GOV.UK outlines the extra support you might be entitled to if you are responsible for a child.
If your first child was born before 6 April 2017, you could receive an additional £339 per month in Universal Credit. For those whose first child was born on or after 6 April 2017, or who have a second child, the extra amount is £292.81.
Generally, no further payments are made for a third or subsequent child, though there are exceptions – for example, you might get an extra payment for one child if you have twins. Any additional amount will be paid until 31 August following your child’s 16th birthday.
Payments can continue up to the age of 19 if they remain in full-time education or approved training. An extra monthly sum may be available if any of your children are disabled. This additional amount is provided regardless of the number of children you have, reports the Mirror. The disabled child addition is paid at either a lower rate of £158.76, or a higher rate of £423.27.
The GOV.UK page further clarifies that when it comes to seeking employment and claiming Universal Credit, it largely depends on whether you are the primary carer and the age of your child. You will need to designate a primary carer, or if you are a single parent, you will automatically be considered as such.
When your youngest child is under one year old, there is no requirement for you to work, but generally, by the time they reach three, you are expected to start working or preparing for work. If you are not the primary carer and are not employed full-time, you are typically expected to seek full-time employment.
The GOV.UK page further details how you can reclaim up to 85% of your childcare costs if you are employed, or about to begin work, and are claiming Universal Credit. The maximum amount you can claim each month is £1,031.88 for one child or £1,768.94 for two or more children.
The childcare must be with a registered provider and can include nursery, preschool, after-school clubs, breakfast clubs, childminders, nannies, and school holiday clubs. Claims for childcare must be made through your Universal Credit account and you can claim up to three months of past childcare.
However, it is advised that you report your childcare as soon as you pay for it, as if you delay for longer than two months, you might not receive the money back. You can also claim up to three months in advance of future childcare but you won’t be reimbursed until your childcare has been delivered.
