A ‘childcare costs amount’ is included in your award if you pay for certain types of childcare to stay in work; see below for what types are relevant. For the amount to be included, the ‘work condition’ and the ‘childcare costs condition’ must apply during each assessment period (see below).
UC Regs, reg 31

How much do you get? – For each monthly assessment period, 85% of the relevant childcare costs can be met up to a maximum amount of £1,071.09 for one child, or £1,836.16 for two or more children. In determining the amount to be paid, the DWP can ignore any costs they consider to be excessive in relation to the amount of work you actually do. They can also ignore costs met by your employer or paid for you when you take part in work-related activity or training.
UC Regs, regs 34 & 36

You need to pay the childcare costs and then report the payments to the DWP before the amount is included in your award; if you are starting work and need help with upfront chil