Petition · past parliament · Department for Work and Pensions
Allow childcare costs to paid in advance through Universal Credit
Closed
29 signatures
What the petition asks
We call for the Government to allow parents and guardians on Universal Credit to be paid in advance for their childcare costs.
At present, parents can claim up to 85% of childcare back once the childcare has been paid and once the childcare has occurred.
This can mean trying to find hundreds of pounds to pay for the childcare and waiting, in some cases, months before up to 85% can be paid back.
This is particularly difficult for parents, particularly single parents. Universal credit is designed to help people into work but this is a huge barrier that many parents/guardians face.
This can mean trying to find hundreds of pounds to pay for the childcare and waiting, in some cases, months before up to 85% can be paid back.
This is particularly difficult for parents, particularly single parents. Universal credit is designed to help people into work but this is a huge barrier that many parents/guardians face.
Timeline
| 18 Jun 2021 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 18 Dec 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
29
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
18 Jun 2021
Closed
18 Dec 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.