Estimate how much of your eligible monthly childcare cost Universal Credit could repay and how much may remain for you to cover.
Enter the amount paid to a registered childcare provider for the relevant assessment period.
Estimated at 85% of the entered cost.
Universal Credit can repay up to 85% of eligible childcare costs. From 6 April 2026, the maximum monthly childcare payment is:
The cap applies to the Universal Credit payment, not directly to the nursery bill. For one child, costs above approximately £1,260.11 a month exceed the amount that can be covered at 85%. For two or more children, the equivalent cost is approximately £2,160.19.
85% is £850. The amount is below the cap, leaving an estimated £150 for the parent.
85% would be £1,275, but the £1,071.09 cap applies. The estimated parent cost is £428.91.
85% is £1,700. This is below the two-or-more-child cap, leaving an estimated £300.
You normally pay your childcare provider first, then report the payment through your Universal Credit account. The childcare must normally be registered or approved, and the cost must relate to work.
If paying upfront prevents you from starting work or increasing your hours, ask your work coach about help with upfront childcare costs. The exact timing of payments and assessment periods can affect when support appears, so keep invoices, receipts and proof of payment.
This calculator estimates only the childcare-cost element. It does not calculate your complete Universal Credit award, which depends on income, housing, savings and other household circumstances.
You cannot receive Universal Credit childcare costs and Tax-Free Childcare at the same time. Universal Credit can cover up to 85%, while Tax-Free Childcare adds £2 for every £8 deposited, subject to its own limits. The better option depends on your full Universal Credit award and circumstances.
Before cancelling or changing support, read our Tax-Free Childcare vs Universal Credit comparison. GOV.UK advises waiting for a decision on a Tax-Free Childcare application before cancelling Universal Credit.
Up to 85% of eligible costs, capped from April 2026 at £1,071.09 a month for one child or £1,836.16 for two or more children.
Usually, yes. You pay and report the cost. Help with upfront childcare may be available when starting work or increasing hours, so ask your work coach.
No. You cannot receive both at the same time. Compare the schemes before changing an existing claim.
Yes. Funded childcare hours are separate. Universal Credit may help with eligible registered costs that remain outside those hours.
Rates and rules are based on the official Universal Credit childcare costs guidance and the GOV.UK childcare support guide.
Method: eligible monthly cost × 85%, limited to the appropriate monthly maximum; parent cost = entered cost minus estimated support. Calcora is independent, is not affiliated with DWP or GOV.UK, and provides general guidance only.