Universal credit childcare

[Mememecjm]

Hi, I'm starting a job in which I need to put one of my daughters in after school club.
I phoned the universal credit helpline and they said that I would get 85% back, everyone is entitled and doesn't go off income. I've recently had an appointment with my works coach (who was beyond rubbish) but she says the childcare element is income related. Who is right? I start my job next month and want to know what to do for the best.

It is income related as if your earnings after the earnings taper and work allowance are applied wipe out UC inc childcare then you obviously won't get anything paid back. Play with entitled to website to see if that sheds some light.

As above. You will be entitled and the 85% will be added to your claim but then it will depend on your earnings as to whether the amount is wiped out.

She is right, in that your award before deductions will go up by 85% of your childcare amount. But then that total is subject to deductions like normal. So you could end up with much less than 85% after deductions.

Yeah, it’s income related in that you get up to 85% back, but then your income can reduce all elements; childcare is not protected.

They will also refuse to pay if your childcare is excessive compared to your income.

Thank you, that makes the most sense I've heard. It's shouldn't be so complicated getting a straight answer from the people who are supposed to help!