Petition · past parliament · Department for Work and Pensions

Allow Universal Credit claimants to have childcare costs paid direct to provider

Closed 41 signatures

What the petition asks

Remove the need for the parent claiming UC to pay the childcare provider up front. Enable registered childcare facilities to submit their invoices directly via a DWP portal for the 85% to paid directly to them and the remaining 15% to be paid by the parent.
I think the current process is painful and can have a catastrophic effect on finances. Some parents on UC don’t have enough money up front for childcare, which can prevent or delay them from returning to work. DWP can sometimes calculate claims incorrectly and not respond to complaints in a timely manner. Most nurseries require fees up front, but UC claims are paid a month in arrears. This can leave claimants out of pocket. People on UC might not have this money. They are living on the breadline!

Timeline

9 Jan 2024 Petition opened for signatures
29 May 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 41
Status Closed
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 9 Jan 2024
Closed 29 May 2024

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.