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Universal Credit Childcare Costs
- Robinson_jon
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1 year 1 month ago #284095 by Robinson_jon
Universal Credit Childcare Costs was created by Robinson_jon
Hello
I have been helping someone apply for Universal Credit. They are single and have two children. One child is 4 years old and receives higher care. The other child is 2, DLA application pending.
The applicant was in receipt of ESA (Support Group), and had been for 10 years. She had to apply for UC following separation from her partner. She has not yet received her first UC payment, and it doesn’t look like she has received the additional amounts for having a disabled child, looking after him and her LCWRA.
Her daughter had been going to nursery and she has asked UC if she could claim these costs back. They have said that she cannot?
Our understanding of the guidelines is that because she is unable to work, and because her son receives the highest rate of DLA, that she can claim childcare costs? Is this correct?
Many thanks
I have been helping someone apply for Universal Credit. They are single and have two children. One child is 4 years old and receives higher care. The other child is 2, DLA application pending.
The applicant was in receipt of ESA (Support Group), and had been for 10 years. She had to apply for UC following separation from her partner. She has not yet received her first UC payment, and it doesn’t look like she has received the additional amounts for having a disabled child, looking after him and her LCWRA.
Her daughter had been going to nursery and she has asked UC if she could claim these costs back. They have said that she cannot?
Our understanding of the guidelines is that because she is unable to work, and because her son receives the highest rate of DLA, that she can claim childcare costs? Is this correct?
Many thanks
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- Gary
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1 year 1 month ago - 1 year 1 month ago #284117 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Universal Credit Childcare Costs
Hi Robinson_jon
Your question is outside the remit of the forum but it does raise some good questions which I will try and answer as it may be beneficial to other members, although I would advise you to seek advice from your local Welfare Rights Organisation; advicelocal.uk
I will try and answer your first question concerning childcare costs; A childcare costs amount is included in your award if you pay for certain types of childcare to stay in work.
For the amount to be included, the work condition and the childcare costs condition must apply during each assessment period UC Regs, reg 31
From your post you are helping someone claim UC, this is done online usually although you can do it by phone if you do not have internet access.
Your friend will be entitled to a single standard allowance, there are two rates depending on their age, they will also be entitled to Housing Element if they have any housing costs, they will also be entitled to two child elements at the lower rate, as the 4 year old child is in receipt of high rate DLA then they should get a high disabled child element and she should also get a Carer element.
In regards to claiming LCWRA unless your friend applied for UC before her ESA claim stopped then she will have to start from fresh and go through the 13 week assessment phase, complete a UC50 form and have a work capability assessment, this starts from when she gives her workcoach a 'fit note' from her doctor.
Gary
Your question is outside the remit of the forum but it does raise some good questions which I will try and answer as it may be beneficial to other members, although I would advise you to seek advice from your local Welfare Rights Organisation; advicelocal.uk
I will try and answer your first question concerning childcare costs; A childcare costs amount is included in your award if you pay for certain types of childcare to stay in work.
For the amount to be included, the work condition and the childcare costs condition must apply during each assessment period UC Regs, reg 31
From your post you are helping someone claim UC, this is done online usually although you can do it by phone if you do not have internet access.
Your friend will be entitled to a single standard allowance, there are two rates depending on their age, they will also be entitled to Housing Element if they have any housing costs, they will also be entitled to two child elements at the lower rate, as the 4 year old child is in receipt of high rate DLA then they should get a high disabled child element and she should also get a Carer element.
In regards to claiming LCWRA unless your friend applied for UC before her ESA claim stopped then she will have to start from fresh and go through the 13 week assessment phase, complete a UC50 form and have a work capability assessment, this starts from when she gives her workcoach a 'fit note' from her doctor.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 1 year 1 month ago by Gary.
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