Any help with childcare on benefit?

[Sabina93]

Heya, do you know if I can get any help with childcare for my nearly 3 years old (I know he will get 15 hours but it applies for him from January) I’m at home with baby and I’m on UC and wanted to see if you know if I can get any help with childcare cost? On government website it says that I need to be in paid work but then it also says that you’re eligible for funded childcare for 2 years old if you are on UC so I don’t know know. Anyone knows?
Thank you so much for your advices.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-childcare-costs#how-universal-credit-childcare-works-with-other-government-childcare-costs-schemes

This isn't my area of expertise, but it does seem to be eligible for help with childcare costs, you need to be in paid work.

I've linked the gov guidance for UC childcare costs. There is a link further down which also takes you to a website called Childcare Choices, childcarechoices.gov.uk , which provides all the different help available to help pay for childcare.
However, it does seem that apart from the 15 hours free child are that you are already aware of, it seems all the other schemes are geared towards working families.

There is a scheme for 15 hours for 2 year olds here https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds (hopefully my link will work)
There is a strict criteria to be eligible for this, for example if you are on UC, your household income must be £15,400 or less.

As i say my knowledge is woeful, Hopefully someone else with better knowledge will come along.

You get childcare costs if you're working and on UC xx

Ooops with xx

I've just been texting friends and family so it's a habit

Not that it's shockingly bad but a big no no on MN

Do you know if you are eligible for 2 year old funding? Google the name of your local authority and 2 year old funding. You may be able to apply online. Eligibility depends on which benefits you are entitled to.

Thank you very much all. He will be 3 in a few days so the 15 hours hours is not worth it even if it’s apply since he’ll be 3 soon

If he’ll be 3 in a few days meaning you don’t get the universal 15h til January, you could see if your local authority would be able to find/fund a place for him this term on the 15 hours for 2 year olds, because that would take you up to January? Worth a shot just in case?

To get childcare costs you need to be working however if you're not working your 2 year old may have been eligible for 15 hours since the term after they turned 2.
You mention a baby, ask your health visitor team, they can help you with applications and advice.
There is also 3 year old funding available so definitely speak to your health visitor for support.
You can start contacting nurseries yourself also, asking if they provide the funded hours and put your child's name down.

My local council has a children a families department, they are very helpful at sort out childcare funding and places. Hopefully you have something similar where you are.