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Written question asked by Ruth George (Labour) on Thursday, 25 July 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 September 2019. It was answered by Mims Davies (Conservative) on Thursday, 5 September 2019 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to her evidence of 24 July 2019 to the Work and Pensions Committee on increased support with upfront childcare costs, whether work coaches use the Flexible Support Fund to provide that additional support after the first month.

Answer

Work Coaches can use the Flexible Support Fund (FSF) to pay 100% of the upfront childcare costs up to the payment limits set that the claimant incurs between starting work and receiving their first wage. This is paid directly to the childcare providers and is not repayable. Examples of what it can be used to cover include:

  • Deposit – To pay a provider a one off advance payment of childcare costs.
  • Retainer – To pay a provider a one off advance payment to secure the nursery provision prior to the parent starting work or training.
  • Fees – To pay a provider upfront childcare fees in advance of the service being delivered; and
  • Taster/Settling in periods – To pay a provider a one off advance payment to enable the parent to prepare their child before taking up the full childcare offer.

Once a claimant has received their first wage, we have given Work Coaches the flexibility to use Budgeting Advances to help pay for further upfront childcare costs where required and where a claimant is eligible. This includes - during school holidays, change of childcare provider, or additional childcare in order to increase work hours. Budgeting Advances do have to be repaid, however, up to 85% of these childcare costs can be reimbursed through the UC childcare offer (up to caps) once a paid receipt is submitted.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
282561
Session
2017-19
Related items
Universal Credit.
Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Parliamentary committees
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Childcare Costs Universal credit Flexible Support Fund
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk