Working parents on universal credit to get significant boost in childcare support

The DWP has confirmed that parents on universal credit can now get up to £1,311 more a year in childcare support following the 6.7% rate rise happening this week.

This extra boost applies to parents claiming universal credit with one child under 17. They’ll be claim up to £1,015 a month, with parents of two children or more eligible for up to £1,739 to help pay for childcare costs – which is an increase from £950 and £1,630.

The DWP sees this boost in support a way to help even more parents into work is part of the government’s long-term plan to give working families a brighter future, by ensuring the cost of childcare is no longer a barrier for parents who want to work. 

This comes as over 150,000 two-year-olds are confirmed to have places for 15 hours a week of free childcare this week, with thousands more places continuing to be secured over the coming weeks.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “This big boost to childcare support will help even more parents step into the world of work and secure long-term financial security. We are delivering on our plan to get people into jobs, as we cut taxes, drive down inflation, and put money back into the pockets of hardworking families.”