Universal credit is a means-tested benefit for people who need help with living costs who are in or  out of work. Universal credit is made up of several different elements including a childcare element. If you meet the qualifying rules, then you may be able to claim up to 85% of your childcare ...

There are two tax credits – child tax credit and working tax credit. You can get one or both of them, depending on your household circumstances. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) deal with tax credits. Working tax credit includes an element to help with certain childcare costs.

You can get some free childcare places in most parts of the UK, although the arrangements are different across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can contact your local Family Information Service for more information about free childcare hours and childcare in your area.

Some employers offer employer-supported childcare (ESC) to help towards the costs of qualifying childcare. It is up to your employer whether they decide to offer ESC or not. There are three types of ES.

When a tax credit claimant starts to claim universal credit, any tax credit overpayment debt that is outstanding is transferred to DWP (or DfC in Northern Ireland) and DWP (DfC) take over the recovery of the outstanding amount. This page explains how the transfer process works and who contact with ...

Universal credit is gradually replacing working tax credit and child tax credit as well as some other means-tested benefits. If you have been claiming tax credits and start to claim universal credit in the same tax year, your tax credit award will stop. Your tax credits will also stop if you have ...