Financial support available to families
Child Benefit
If you have a child or children, you can claim Child Benefit.
- only one person can claim
- you may have to pay a tax charge if you or your partner’s income is over £50,000.
For more information see the Child Benefit page on the GOV.UK website.
Child Element of Universal Credit
Tax Credits have been replaced by Universal Credit. Universal Credit awards include a Child element.
For more information see the Universal Credit page on the GOV.UK website.
Maternity benefits
Expectant mothers can claim one of two benefits; Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance. Your employment history will determine which of these you can apply for.
For more information see the Maternity Allowance page on the GOV.UK website.
Paternity pay and leave
The partner of someone who has just had a baby, or adopted a child, is entitled to one or two weeks paid paternity leave from work. Parents can also now choose to share time off work, called Shared Parental Leave.
For more information see the Shared Parental Leave and Pay page on the GOV.UK website.
Sure Start Maternity Payment
This is a one-off payment to help towards the cost of having a child.
You will usually qualify if you:
- are expecting your first child, or you’re expecting a multiple birth
- already get certain benefits
For more information see the Sure Start Maternity Grant page on the GOV.UK website.
Budgeting Loans
Families claiming certain benefits can apply for a loan to pay for essential things like:
- clothing or footwear
- furniture and household equipment
- moving costs
- repaying hire purchase debt
For more information see the Budgeting Loans page on the GOV.UK website.
Other benefits
You may also be entitled to: