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Child Care Solicitors

Parents on Universal Credit given more childcare support when they move into work (12 April 2016)

Date: 12/04/2016
Duncan Lewis, Child Care Solicitors, Parents on Universal Credit given more childcare support when they move into work

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that parents on Universal Credit will now be able to claim back 85% of their childcare costs when they move into work – an increase from 70%.

The new rate means a working family with two children can now receive up to £13,000 a year in childcare support under Universal Credit – the increase is expected to benefit up to half-a-million families once Universal Credit is fully rolled out.

Universal Credit is now available in 98% of all jobcentres, including in the northwest, where it is available to couples and families. Universal Credit will eventually replace Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits and Housing Benefit.

The change in the amount families on Universal Credit can claim will boost childcare support for those on Universal Credit by around £300 million in total.

Employment Minister Priti Patel said:

“We want all families to have the chance to get on in their lives, with the security of a regular pay packet that comes with a job – that’s why we are making sure parents can access good-quality childcare.

“Universal Credit is revolutionising welfare, with people moving into work faster and earning more – increasing childcare support will help break down one of the biggest barriers parents on lower incomes can face when moving off benefits.”

Under Universal Credit, parents can start claiming childcare costs up to a month before they start their job – and can continue to claim for up to a month after, if their contract comes to an end.

The government says that new support with childcare costs gives parents the opportunity to focus on their new job from day one – with children having time to settle into a routine, while protecting their nursery place when their parents are in between jobs.

The childcare support also helps people to take on temporary work, or increase their hours, which are intended to be some of the main benefits of Universal Credit.

Parents can claim back childcare costs regardless of how many hours they work, on top of the money they already receive to help with the costs of bringing up a child, such as child benefit.

Working parents claiming Universal Credit can receive up to £646 a month for one child and £1,108 for two or more children.

The government is also simplifying work allowances – the amount people can earn before their Universal Credit is gradually reduced – and giving people extra help to progress in work.

Jobcentres have contacted claimants directly to let them know how they can access further advice and support.

As well as additional work coach support, claimants may also qualify for help from the Flexible Support Fund, to help them increase their hours and earnings.

Universal Credit will be available in every jobcentre across the country by the end of April – more than 400,000 people have already made a claim, with over 10,000 new claims made every week.

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise parents on a wide range of child care law and family matters, including parents’ rights to support with child care costs, maternity/paternity pay, parental leave, SEND and parental duties under the Education Act 1996.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on Section 38 enquiries, pre-proceedings meetings, children taken into Local Authority care and Court of Protection cases.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis advises on family and child care matters under UK law and Islamic law, as well as being able to advise on cross-border family issues, such as child care arrangements, leave to remove and international parent-child abduction.

For expert legal advice on family and child care matters, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 0333 772 0409.


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