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Original poster

Anyone Successfully Hired a Nanny While on UC?

86 replies

JakeMichael · 21/09/2025 21:49

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to find someone who has successfully employed a nanny while claiming Universal Credit.

Both of my children receive DLA and have additional needs. My daughter has just started secondary school and my autistic son is struggling with nursery. I’m also pregnant, so we’re trying to set up proper childcare support for when the baby arrives.

I know UC reimburses 85% of childcare costs if the nanny is Ofsted-registered, but I’d love to speak to someone who has actually managed this process.

How did you set it up with Ofsted and UC?

Did UC base their reimbursement on gross or net pay?

Did they include employer costs like NI or pension contributions?

If you’ve done this and it worked, I’d be so grateful if you could share your experience.

Thanks so much!

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mamagogo1 · 21/09/2025 22:23

Use only pays for ofsted registered childcare and there is a cap, cap varies by area

Original poster
JakeMichael · 21/09/2025 22:23

TallulahLikesHoola · 21/09/2025 22:21

Is a full time nanny not about £45k? I really don't think UC would pay that.

Really depend have seen a couple about 22-26k

OP posts:
AllTheChaos · 21/09/2025 22:22

It used to be that they paid up to 85%, but it was actually less as it was 85% of a low maximum. So when DD was in nursery they would pay something like 85% of £600 a month, when the nursery cost nearly £2,000 a month. I doubt very much it will cover additional costs like employers NI, or holiday payments, but Citizens Advice may be able to help? Even one the companies for hiring nannies- they should absolutely be familiar with what’s possible.

Original poster
JakeMichael · 21/09/2025 22:22

everychildmatters · 21/09/2025 22:21

@JakeMichael Ah I see. Will you be taking the full year? Do you have a working partner?

Not sure yet and yes we do

OP posts:
TallulahLikesHoola · 21/09/2025 22:21

Is a full time nanny not about £45k? I really don't think UC would pay that.

everychildmatters · 21/09/2025 22:21

@JakeMichael Ah I see. Will you be taking the full year? Do you have a working partner?

Original poster
JakeMichael · 21/09/2025 22:20

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/09/2025 22:19

I’m assuming @JakeMichael wants some help with her middle child and then baby

I’m not sure if uc will pay childcare costs while you are on ml

Thank-you
This is correct

OP posts:
Original poster
JakeMichael · 21/09/2025 22:19

everychildmatters · 21/09/2025 22:18

@JakeMichael Why do you need childcare for a newborn? Assuming you don't work or are on maternity leave?

Edited

Planning for when back to work

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 21/09/2025 22:19

I’m assuming @JakeMichael wants some help with her middle child and then baby

I’m not sure if uc will pay childcare costs while you are on ml

everychildmatters · 21/09/2025 22:18

@JakeMichael Why do you need childcare for a newborn? Assuming you don't work or are on maternity leave?

Littledogball · 21/09/2025 22:16

Do you want a full time nanny? Do you realise how much they cost?