Closed petition Allow Universal Credit claimants to have childcare costs paid direct to provider

Closed on 30 May 2024

Remove the need for the parent claiming UC to pay the childcare provider up front. Enable registered childcare facilities to submit their invoices directly via a DWP portal for the 85% to paid directly to them and the remaining 15% to be paid by the parent.

I think the current process is painful and can have a catastrophic effect on finances. Some parents on UC don’t have enough money up front for childcare, which can prevent or delay them from returning to work. DWP can sometimes calculate claims incorrectly and not respond to complaints in a timely manner. Most nurseries require fees up front, but UC claims are paid a month in arrears. This can leave claimants out of pocket. People on UC might not have this money. They are living on the breadline!