Switching from Tax-Free Childcare to Universal Credit childcare costs claim

[SummerRain81]

Hello, wondering if anyone is able to advise on switching from claiming childcare costs via TFC to UC.

My partner and I have been paying for childcare via the Govt TFC system, but have recently realised we are entitled to UC and are in the process of submitting a claim. I understand that you cannot claim both TFC and UC, but am confused as to how to answer the "do you have childcare costs?" question in the initial UC claim. The application asks for details of costs that have already been paid to the childcare provider, but obviously we have paid these via the TFC account. Should we therefore answer "no" to this question, then amend our UC claim (when approved) to include future bills? I spoke to the UC helpline, but they simply quoted the information from online that you cannot claim both... Thank you in advance for any advice.

I’ve done this, you need to put yes and the cost of the childcare. At some point you’ll have to provide evidence of your contract with the childcare provider. Each month I then have to enter what I’ve paid and for what period, sometimes they’ll ask for evidence and I’ll upload a copy of the invoice and a screenshot from my bank account that I’ve paid this then in my next UC payment they’ll include 85% of the amount I’ve paid

Thanks. Had you previously been paying your childcare costs using Tax Free Childcare? I understand in principle how to claim childcare costs via UC, but am confused as to how avoid an overlap between the two.

I suspect you may need to pay one month upfront (not from TFC account), and that's what you then submit a claim back from UC for.