Over 9,000 NI households getting help with childcare through Universal Credit
The recent release of Universal Credit statistics for Northern Ireland, on 25th June 2025, shows the continued increase in the number of households in receipt of this benefit.
The recent closure of Tax Credits and the migration of those claimants to Universal Credit has now made Universal Credit the main means tested benefit through which households with children can get financial support, and in particular the much needed support for working parents towards their registered childcare costs.
The summary of the most recent Universal Credit statistics, at 28 February 2025, are:
- 176,030 households were in paid receipt of Universal Credit
- £1,000 the average monthly amount of Universal Credit paid to all 176,030 households in payment, an increase of £140 from February 2024
- 95,220 households have 1 or more children, representing 54% of households
- £1,215 the average monthly amount of Universal Credit paid to a household with children, and increase of £350 from February 2024
- 9,040 households in receipt of the Childcare Element, up 17% from last year
- £490 the average monthly Childcare Element payment, up 6% from last year
For eligible households, Universal Credit can pay 85% of registered childcare costs, however this is not the only form of financial support towards registered childcare costs. The alternative to the childcare element of Universal Credit is Tax-Free Childcare and the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme. For eligible households these two benefits pay 20% and 15% of registered childcare costs respectively, and both of these forms of support can be claimed together.
Further information
The different forms of childcare support, with different eligibility criteria and ways to apply can make it confusing for parents to figure out what is best in their particular circumstances.
We would encourage all parents to make sure they are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to with their childcare costs, and to check regularly that they are receiving the best form of support for their family.
If you would like further advice on help with childcare costs or wish to find out more about what other financial support you may be entitled to, contact our Family Benefits Advice Service for free, impartial and confidential advice.
Call us on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org – we are here to help.
