The DWP has announced a boost for everyone on Universal Credit in order to help meet the cost of living.
The Department for Work and Pensions this week issued a reminder about the change to ensure as many people as possible are claiming the benefit following a boost to take the total amount you could be handed to £1,739.37 per month.
Universal Credit Childcare payments have been increased by 6.7%, tied to the annual reviews the government is obligated to make to benefits payments in order to keep them level with inflation and ensure inflation doesn’t erode the spending power of the benefits.
Everyone who is already claiming Universal Credit can go on to claim Universal Credit Childcare payments.
To be eligible, you need at least one child, and must be in paid work and pay for your childcare.
If you’re absent from work or taking maternity pay, you will still qualify and be treated as if you are working. For those in couples, your partner must also be in paid work, or deemed unable to work, in order for you to get the benefit.
It means you can claim a £1,014 handout if you have one child, and £1,739.37 if you have two or more children, an increase of £63 and £109 per month respectively.
This week, the DWP reminded people: “#UniversalCreditChildcare payments increased on 8 Apr 2024 to £1,014.63 for one child and £1,739.37 for two or more children helping you manage childcare and work”.
