Benefits and financial support for families

Overview

Support for families can help with time away from work, everyday costs, childcare, education, and the additional needs of a disabled child.

Eligibility can depend on your income, employment, household, the age of your children, and where you live.

Check what you could get

Use a benefits calculator or eligibility checker with details of your household, earnings, savings, housing costs, and childcare costs.

Check whether a payment affects other benefits or is subject to an income charge before you apply.

Time off and pay when you have or adopt a child

You may qualify for maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, or neonatal care leave and pay. Some people who do not qualify for statutory maternity pay may qualify for a separate allowance.

Tell your employer within the required time and keep evidence of expected birth, adoption, or placement dates.

Child Benefit

Child Benefit can provide regular support for a child. The claim may also protect National Insurance credits for a parent or carer who is not working.

Higher-income households may need to pay a tax charge. Review the claim when a child turns 16 or their education or training changes.

Help with childcare costs

Depending on your circumstances, help may include funded childcare, tax-free childcare, support through Universal Credit, or grants for students and young parents.

Check which schemes can be used together and whether your childcare provider must be registered or approved.

Other support

• Help with school meals or healthy food may be available for qualifying families.
• Separated parents can use child maintenance services to arrange financial support.
• Disabled children and their families may qualify for disability benefits, grants, or home adaptations.
• A support visit may be available if you need help making a benefit claim.