LCWRA and Childcare

yaydeee

Hello,

After an extended time being signed off of work, I have now received LCWRA confirmation in the post. Throughout my assessments and engagement with UC since being signed off of work I have been reiterating that I really want to work and find a way to work around my health condition. I absolutely loved being a teacher and am trying to set up my own online tutoring as it will allow me to work from home. I have successfully made 6 bookings for tutoring and am hoping to build this!

I am a single mum to a 2.5 year old and my daughter has been in nursery since she was 11 months old so that I could work. I have had UC to top up since she was born and they have contributed to her childcare costs, with me covering the rest from my earnings.

I have just been informed by a UC telephone agent that because of my LCRWA even if I am working as self employed I am not entitled to any help towards childcare costs because there is no expectation for me to work or engage in work related activity.

This feels crushing and like I am being resigned to a life where I won’t be able to find fulfilment through doing the work I love.

I am hoping that they have got this wrong? Does any one have any guidance?

Many many many thanks,

Kaydee

poppy123456

This is not correct and the reason I wouldn't advise anyone to contact the helpline for such advice because they are not benefits advisors. They just sit there reading from a screen pretending they know what they are talking about but very often they don't.

As you're working then yes you can claim for childcare. Being found to have LCWRA will not prevent you from claiming childcare costs.

https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/universal-credit

Biblioklept

You absolutely can claim childcare!!! The only condition is you are working. They're forever telling people incorrect things. Look at the childcare costs conditions in their ADM

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64959f37831311000c2962a2/admf7.pdf

yaydeee

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/897800#Comment_897800

this document is so helpful, thank you!

Albus_Scope

Heya @yaydeee and welcome to the community!

I can see some of our regulars have already swooped in to assist you, but I just wanted to stop in and say a quick hello. 😊