Benefits funding childcare

[RavensEcho25]

Hi all!
Me and my partner are unemployed but are looking for work. We have a 3 month old son and I'd love to get back into work as I really miss it. I get Maternity pay, small about of Universal credit and Child Benefit. Just booked a place for the open day at a local nursery.
Question is, would what benefits I get be able to fund my son for a nursery placement? TIA ❤️

You and your partner would both need to be in paid work, but UC can then pay up to 85% of childcare costs up to a limit of £1,014 (ish I think it is). You pay the childcare and then can claim the % back via UC.

@Mrsttcno1 thank you for your reply. Would it work if he was in paid work and I was in the process of getting a job?
I had no idea it was such a high percentage; that's great, thank you!

You both need to be in paid work or have a job offer starting in the next month x

You have to start work first unfortunately

You both need to be in work. Why can't he look after the baby if your at work and he doesn't have a job?

I think it's absolutely right that both parents have to be working. Why should the tax payers fund childcare whilst parents don't work? That would be utter madness surely.

No, both of you need to be in paid employment in order to claim.

The rationale, quite rightly, is why should your childcare be funded when there is an adult caregiver available to them.

Go on to the childcare choices website, there are certain criteria that you need to meet for funding for under threes.

There is a golden ticket scheme that may help with childcare at 2yr old if you earn under a certain amount.

Universal credit help with childcare costs in arrears and there is the childcare tax fund that give you 85% back.

You will get 15hours regardless of earnings when your child is 3yo.