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Original poster

Universal credit not reimbursing childcare - what can I do?

15 replies

Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 21:34

I submitted my childcare bill to be paid back as usual about 4 weeks ago, and it still hasn’t been paid, even though I believe I’ve done everything correct. I attached the invoice, receipt and bank statement showing the amount/payment etc.

The month before my childcare was paid after 4 days so I’m baffled.

I’ve resubmitted, I’ve left messages on my journal asking when it will be paid and if I’ve done everything correctly with no response and it’s rapidly coming up to the end of the month when I really need that money for fuel and food, not to mention I will be receiving this months childcare bill soon.

Has anyone else been in this position or know how I might be able to solve it please?

It will likely be a payment of over £500 by my calculations, and in the next couple of months I assume my UC would stop given the amount I’m now working after returning from Mat leave.

OP posts:
Chattycathydoll · 25/10/2022 21:37

Mine has been the same this month, it’s very weird and quite stressful but I’ve been assured it’s because for some reason it didn’t process as this month’s assessment period and will be paid back with next month’s. If it isn’t, then I will go higher and not let it go because it’s £500 due to school hols.

Babyroobs · 25/10/2022 21:40

Are you on unpaid maternity leave for the last 3 months ? I'm not exactly sure but wonder if these unpaid months are seen differently as you would have no earnings reported and therefore they think you are not working and not entitled to childcare costs? It is different to when you are being paid smp as that is treated the same way as earnings. I may be wrong on this but just putting that forward as a potential reason for childcare not being paid. You would need to speak to them.

Original poster
Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 21:42

Who did you hear that from - have you been able to speak to an actual human? 🤣 I rang and just got told to leave a message on my journal and I’m still no nearer to understanding what is going on!

Id be in the same boat if it rolls over to this assessment period, although my bill is reduced because of half term, I still want the full amount given it’s not my fault, and it’s without any communication at all.

OP posts:
MrsFunnyFace · 25/10/2022 21:42

It happens all the time to me, I call them and it’s usually rectified

Original poster
Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 21:46

I’ve been back at work since start of September, and started childcare before then for settling in etc, so that’s definitely not it I’m afraid, although the next assessment period should be the first where I earn too much and don’t get a payment.

Trying to get in touch with someone, anyone, anywhere, but not having much luck, and not sure if I just walked in to a Jobcentre whether anyone would actually be able to help me. ☹️

OP posts:
Original poster
Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 21:47

MrsFunnyFace · 25/10/2022 21:42

It happens all the time to me, I call them and it’s usually rectified

Are you just calling the normal 0800 ‘query’ type number? I tried calling and got told I should only leave a message in my journal, so I’m hesitant to try again!

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 25/10/2022 21:51

Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 21:47

Are you just calling the normal 0800 ‘query’ type number? I tried calling and got told I should only leave a message in my journal, so I’m hesitant to try again!

Show quote history

Are you putting the message under 'payments' on the home page? this will go straight to your case manager who is the only one really who has authority to authorise payments or sort things out.

Original poster
Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 22:02

Babyroobs · 25/10/2022 21:51

Are you putting the message under 'payments' on the home page? this will go straight to your case manager who is the only one really who has authority to authorise payments or sort things out.

Show quote history

Yes, generally. Although I’ve tried multiple options now just in case.

OP posts:
Gh12345 · 25/10/2022 22:33

Babyroobs · 25/10/2022 21:40

Are you on unpaid maternity leave for the last 3 months ? I'm not exactly sure but wonder if these unpaid months are seen differently as you would have no earnings reported and therefore they think you are not working and not entitled to childcare costs? It is different to when you are being paid smp as that is treated the same way as earnings. I may be wrong on this but just putting that forward as a potential reason for childcare not being paid. You would need to speak to them.

UC pay childcare for 2 months after earnings stop and 1 month before earnings begin (I had to report the change). So when I was on 1 full year of maternity leave my childcare costs were fully paid right up until I went back to work :) I don’t know how I would have coped without it

Gh12345 · 25/10/2022 22:37

Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 21:34

I submitted my childcare bill to be paid back as usual about 4 weeks ago, and it still hasn’t been paid, even though I believe I’ve done everything correct. I attached the invoice, receipt and bank statement showing the amount/payment etc.

The month before my childcare was paid after 4 days so I’m baffled.

I’ve resubmitted, I’ve left messages on my journal asking when it will be paid and if I’ve done everything correctly with no response and it’s rapidly coming up to the end of the month when I really need that money for fuel and food, not to mention I will be receiving this months childcare bill soon.

Has anyone else been in this position or know how I might be able to solve it please?

It will likely be a payment of over £500 by my calculations, and in the next couple of months I assume my UC would stop given the amount I’m now working after returning from Mat leave.

Does your statement for the last assessment period include the childcare? If it’s not on the statement it looks like there’s been an error. Best checking that first

MrsFunnyFace · 26/10/2022 08:03

Yes it’s an 0800 number that is at the bottom of my statement where it says, what to do if you think something is wrong
I call them and explain that my childcare costs have not been verified and they just leave a message for my work coach who then has to reply or update by the next day and she does. It happens all the time to me, I’m not sure if same issue but sounds like it.

mossberry · 26/10/2022 08:23

Have you reconfirmed your eligibility? You have to do that every 3 months.

Original poster
Sparrow91 · 26/10/2022 12:27

I rang again and they have said it’s because 3 days of the invoice fall into this months assessment period.

So essentially they are keeping back the entire months payment because of these 3 days?

sounds like bs but I’ve got to wait until next week to find out if it’s been included at all. If not, then and only then will they look into it.

OP posts:
Chattycathydoll · 26/10/2022 14:01

Sparrow91 · 26/10/2022 12:27

I rang again and they have said it’s because 3 days of the invoice fall into this months assessment period.

So essentially they are keeping back the entire months payment because of these 3 days?

sounds like bs but I’ve got to wait until next week to find out if it’s been included at all. If not, then and only then will they look into it.

Yes that’s what they based mine on. It didn’t count as this month’s assessment period

MarvelMumOfTwo · 26/10/2025 12:50

Sparrow91 · 25/10/2022 21:34

I submitted my childcare bill to be paid back as usual about 4 weeks ago, and it still hasn’t been paid, even though I believe I’ve done everything correct. I attached the invoice, receipt and bank statement showing the amount/payment etc.

The month before my childcare was paid after 4 days so I’m baffled.

I’ve resubmitted, I’ve left messages on my journal asking when it will be paid and if I’ve done everything correctly with no response and it’s rapidly coming up to the end of the month when I really need that money for fuel and food, not to mention I will be receiving this months childcare bill soon.

Has anyone else been in this position or know how I might be able to solve it please?

It will likely be a payment of over £500 by my calculations, and in the next couple of months I assume my UC would stop given the amount I’m now working after returning from Mat leave.

Hi i’ve had a similar problem this month. They’ve given me a right run around, I’ve tried putting it through three times now because they haven’t been able to verify it for three different blooming reasons and the latest reason is they can’t clarify who the provider is now so I’ve gotta deal with that Monday Tuesday this week. Hopefully they’ve sorted you out or will be sorting you out when you get to the bottom of it. I’ve put in a complaint and had it escalated already in the past week but I think they’re doing it to quite a lot of mums at the minute

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