Straight talking information from the Consumer Financial Education Body. You’ll find lots of resources and calculators to help you plan ahead with definitive information on everything from benefits and tax credits to budgeting and saving for your new family.

Countdown to becoming a parent

Did you know...?

• Mums are entitled to paid time off for antenatal care
• Virtually all expectant mums can get the Health in Pregnancy Grant of £190 (until January 2011)
• Low income? You can claim a lump sum maternity grant of £500 for your first child
• You can take up to a year off for maternity leave
• Most dads can take two weeks’ paternity leave

Budgeting

Did you know...?

• 39 weeks of maternity leave are paid leave
• Many families can get Child Tax Credit
• You can build a £260 emergency fund by saving just £5 a week for a year
• Working Tax Credit can cover over £12,000 a year of childcare costs
• You may get help with childcare costs while you study or retrain

Entitlements

Did you know...?

• Virtually all expectant mums can claim Health in Pregnancy Grant of £190 (until January 2011)
• Child benefit is cash help for virtually every family
• Many families can get tax credits
• You are entitled to extra cash help if you or your child has a disability
• Low income? Claim free vitamins and vouchers

Work Options

Did you know...?

• On maternity leave? You can be paid for up to 10 days’ work
• You have the right to return to your same job, or a similar job on terms and conditions at least as good if that’s not practicable
• If you’re self-employed you can usually claim Maternity Allowance
• If you have a child under 17, you have the right to ask for flexible working
• Self-employment can be the answer to work-life balance

Childcare

Did you know...?

• Many employers offer help with childcare costs
• Tax credits can cover over £12,000 a year of childcare costs
• Your child may qualify for a free part-time (term-time only) nursery place
• You may get help with childcare costs while you study or retrain

Savings

Did you know...?

• A Child Trust Fund is a free government investment for all children born between 1 September 2002 and 31 December 2010
• Disabled children get an extra £100 or £200 one-off government contribution to their Child Trust Fund in this tax year
• Your State Pension is protected if you care for a child
• Dads, you can pay into a pension for your partner

Borrowing Money

Did you know...?

• Store cards and catalogue shopping are expensive
• A credit union could be a cheap way to borrow
• Payment protection insurance (PPI) is not compulsory – it’s your choice

Money Worries

Did you know...?

• You can get free, independent help with debt problems
• Special schemes may help if you have mortgage problems
• You can still be entitled to redundancy pay if you’re on maternity leave
• You may qualify for cash help if your hours are cut
• Paying off debt may make more sense than saving

CFEB Calculators

Get the figures that matter