Childcare 85% on UC - Runs out on MAT leave?

[Natztastic]

Hello,

Wondering if a genius could help wirh my question as my head is gone 😵

I am currently on Maternity leave with my 2nd child. My first child is 2 and we have just signed him up to nursery to get settled in before I return back to work at the end of Aug.

As I am on a reduced wage with SMP I am entitled to UC (not a lot but it all helps 🫥) so I can claim back for the childcare up to 85%. Great I thought until I read the wording which said "applied whilst receiving SMP" so it is paid only whilst getting the maternity PAY rather than just being on maternity LEAVE.

So now not only would I lose SMP payments when they come to an end I would lose the nursery payments (and possibly his place if he can't attend etc)

Does anyone know a way around this? I thought perhaps if I were to use some of my KIT (keeping in touch days) with work I would be classed as working, receiving income and qualify for UC still so the childcare continue?

Appreciate any insider help as this is all new to me.

Many thanks
Natalie

Your childcare costs will only be paid once you’re in employment and are receiving a wage. So even though you’d be on maternity leave (you still obviously have a job), as there isn’t any wage coming in to reflect that, your childcare won’t be paid.

You can try KIT days but your childcare needs to be in line with your earnings. For example, you couldn’t have your child in full time childcare and UC are paying up to 85%, if you’ve only worked 10 hours in a week. Some work coaches/people via the journal are more strict about this than others so it may work.

Were you planning to go back to work straight after maternity leave? You can possibly speak with the nursery and see if they can offer a payment plan for missed months (I know not all nurseries do this but my DD’s does.) You can also leave a message on your journal asking what happens to the childcare element as you’ll still technically be employed. Hopefully you can figure it all out

Hi I am in the exact same position as you. Can you share what happened in the end? Did you find a way? Thank you