Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Do UC actually pay 85% towards childcare?

31 replies

Em94 · 16/03/2024 07:33

I’ve been claiming childcare through UC now for a few months, my bill for nursery is 1500 a month. I’ve never ever had 85% of this back, I’ve had a statement for this month saying I’m getting £326 towards childcare.
I was told by UC that your earnings weren’t used to deduct childcare and this would remain 85%.

does anyone know how this works and how to actually claim the 85% as in worrying that I won’t be able to work much longer

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
TeaKitten · 16/03/2024 16:00

Blondeshavemorefun · 16/03/2024 10:58

Sounds complicated

My friend applied for costs as now a single parent

She is se so May be slightly diff

She found it was better to pay for the childcare herself as came under an expense which then got her income down and meant she received her full uc which was around £683 (single and one child)

As seemed when she applied for childcare she def didn't get 85% of costs and was less then the uc of nearly £700

Guessing if employed can't do that ?

No you can’t do that when employed, there’s no paying expenses.

Baby89 · 17/03/2024 08:16

Following

NaughtPoppy · 17/03/2024 08:22

Blondeshavemorefun · 16/03/2024 10:58

Sounds complicated

My friend applied for costs as now a single parent

She is se so May be slightly diff

She found it was better to pay for the childcare herself as came under an expense which then got her income down and meant she received her full uc which was around £683 (single and one child)

As seemed when she applied for childcare she def didn't get 85% of costs and was less then the uc of nearly £700

Guessing if employed can't do that ?

She will be in trouble if she gets caught doing that as childcare costs are not tax deductible!
She can’t use her childcare costs to reduce her taxable income, it isn’t a business expense.

Blondeshavemorefun · 17/03/2024 10:33

Why isn't it a business expense

If she doesn't pay for childcare she can't go to work ?

But I will tell her that

TeaKitten · 17/03/2024 10:36

Blondeshavemorefun · 17/03/2024 10:33

Why isn't it a business expense

If she doesn't pay for childcare she can't go to work ?

But I will tell her that

Because it’s not a legitimate business expense, google explains it quite easily. Thats why tax free childcare etc exist too. Your friend will no she’s cheating the system already though.

NaughtPoppy · 17/03/2024 15:04

Blondeshavemorefun · 17/03/2024 10:33

Why isn't it a business expense

If she doesn't pay for childcare she can't go to work ?

But I will tell her that

It’s just not allowable as a business expense.
You know nanny employers sometimes try to employ their nanny through their business rather than directly? It’s for the same reason.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page