UC stopped childcare costs

MariaJ83

Hello,

My situation is a bit complicated so I will need to first explain everything. Me and my husband are in receipt of UC, we have been both assessed as LWC. We have a 3yo who attends nursery and UC was covering 85% of our childcare costs. In September I started university and am know receipt of student maintenance loan. I also receive pip since September. So far UC was always covering my childcare costs without problem. This month I received message in my journal we do not meet their guidelines for childcare costs as one of us has to work. What's more, they said all the previous childcare costs were given to is incorrectly and they can ask to pay it back. I have autism, anxiety and am suicidal. This message has plunged me into very bad mental state as I have no idea how we will survive this or next months. I wanted to know are they correct? Are we really not entitled to uc childcare costs in our situation?

I'd be grateful for quick reply as I don't know how long I can hold, I am in despair.

poppy123456

I'm afraid you were informed correctly. For childcare costs with UC when living with a partner you must either both be working or one of you working if the other partner either has LCW or LCWRA. If you're both not working because of a health condition then you will not be entitled to child care costs. See link.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-childcare-costs#who-is-eligible-for-universal-credit-childcare-costs

If there's an overpayment, yes you will need to repay that back because all overpayments for UC are recoverable, even if it's an official error. 

Adrian_Scope

Hello @MariaJ83, I'm so sorry to read how distressed you're feeling. It sounds like you're facing a lot of uncertainty and pressure, and unfortunately as Poppy says, my understanding is what they've said on your journal is correct.
It's completely understandable to feel unsure about what to do next, but you should be able to arrange a repayment plan with Universal Credit where they would deduct a small amount from your monthly award to recover the overpayment. Have they spoken to you about this? 

It's really important to have someone to talk to about how you're feeling, whether that's a trusted friend or family member, a therapist, or a helpline. You can contact Samaritans on 116 123 for confidential support 24/7, but you could also reach out to SHOUT by texting on 85258.

You're certainly not alone, and there are people who will do their best to help you through this difficult time. Please remember to take things one step at a time and be gentle with yourself.

poppy123456

Thinking more about this, there maybe a learner support grant you can claim for help with childcare costs. I don’t personally have any experience with this so can’t advise you further but it will
def be worth finding out about this. More details here https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/support-while-you-study

Albus_Scope

Heya @MariaJ83 I was just checking in to see how you were doing today?  Did you receive the email Adrian sent you?