Which funding?

[Kakemix1603]

Hi, I have a 2 year old. She’s going to nursery in January. I am on universal credit and I work 16 hours a week. Therefor I think I’m entitled to both the free childcare for 2 year olds for uc and the working parents childcare 15 hours for 2 years olds, but please correct me if I’m wrong. Anyway I’m just wondering which one I apply for? Does it matter which one? Is there a combination of both? Please someone answer my questions, also my sister is on part universal credits with her partner as they do not earn enough, will they be entitled to the uc 2 year childcare although she is not working but he is? They wouldn’t qualify for working parents but my question is as it’s only partial uc do they still qualify? If someone could answer both mine and my sisters queries regarding childcare funding that would be amazing thank you! :)

Hi OP

For you: if you’re eligible for both schemes then you have to apply through the free education and childcare for parents getting benefits scheme.

For your sister: It depends on how much her partner earns, if he earns below the threshold which for UC is household income below £15,400 after tax then yes, if he earns above that then no.

You can only use one type of funding so you would only get 15 funded hours. It’s best to check on the childcare choices website. In regards to your sister, she won’t be able to claim the working parents funding as she doesn’t work but may qualify for the deprivation funding depending on their income. Income does have to be pretty low for that so she should be prepared for not being able to claim.

Also OP remember that the “free” hours are not actually free, they are funded but the funding doesn’t cover the full amount so you still have to pay something even when using funded hours.

Your sister won't qualify for the UC childcare element as they have to be both working. I suspect they also won't qualify for the two year old funding for low income as it is very low. We are on low wages and don't qualify for it either.

You can use the working 15 hours and then use UC to pay for extra nursery hours.