Can’t claim back childcare costs universal credit

[Lilacbluewaters]

My son attends nursery 12 hours a week which is funded but have to pay additional costs for things like snack and the app they use. In January and feb it cost me £130 which I paid as I was told I could claim back up to 80%. Well turns out I can’t and I’m now stressed because i have little money and was waiting on getting a bit back. Basically I do not work which I didn’t realise you had to be in employment to receive any money back. Do I just have to accept the loss? Or is there anything I can do?

How old is your DC?

I thought parents only got the free hours if they worked? Or is that just for the 30 hours?

You have to accept the loss, UC only pay for childcare when a parent is working.

If your 12 hours are funded (as part of a Government-funded 15 or 30 hours childcare scheme) then technically they shouldn't force you to pay additional costs on top of your hours but you may have to send in your own snacks with your child as an alternative. Worth speaking to your Council as they have to help parents access childcare.

That’s £1.35 an hour and as you are not working I fail to see why the tax payer would pay for your child’s snacks