The government is keen to help with the cost of raising a family. But working out what you qualify for can be mind-boggling! Here’s a starter for ten.
Families come in all shapes and sizes – from young students and single parents to working couples and grandparents. To give a helping hand, the government offers a range of benefits, credits, allowances and schemes. It’s always worth checking what you could be entitled to, as it might make a real difference. Take a quick look through this list, then pop onto the recommended websites or give the Benefits Helpline a call for advice on how to claim. You could even get support with childcare costs – saving you hundreds of pounds each month.
At a glance
- Find out what you're entitled to - there are lots of benefits and schemes that could help
- You could be entitled to free prescriptions and dental treatment on the NHS until your baby is 1 yr old
- You many be entitled to extra help if your child has a disability
Benefits for families
Child Benefit – Available if you’re responsible for a child. From April 2025, it pays £26.05 a week for your first (or only) child and £17.25 a week for each additional child. Be aware: if the highest earner in your household has an income over £60,000, you may have to pay back some or all of it through the High-Income Child Benefit Charge.
Free NHS care – Pregnant women and new mums get free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment for 12 months after the baby’s due date.
Benefits for workers
Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance – Financial support when you take time off to have a baby.
Statutory Paternity Pay – For eligible partners taking time off after the birth or adoption.
Shared Parental Leave and Pay – Lets parents share leave and pay in the baby’s first year.
(Note: Working Tax Credit has been replaced by Universal Credit, which includes childcare support.)
Benefits if you’re on a low income
Healthy Start scheme – Helps with the cost of milk, fruit, veg and vitamins if you’re pregnant or have a child under 4 and meet the criteria.
Sure Start Maternity Grant – A one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of your first baby, if you’re on certain benefits.
Universal Credit – Can include help with housing, childcare and living costs.
Council Tax Support – Check with your local authority for available help.
Free NHS care – If you’re on certain benefits, you could also get free prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, eye tests and vouchers for glasses.
Benefits if you’re studying
Care to Learn – Helps young parents with childcare costs while studying.
Childcare Grant – For full-time higher-education students with children.
Parents’ Learning Allowance – Extra help with study costs if you’re a parent in higher education.
Discretionary Learner Support – Help with childcare and learning costs, depending on your college.
Benefits if you or your child has a disability
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – For children under 16 who need extra care or have mobility needs.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – For adults with a disability or long-term health condition that affects daily life.
Benefits for bereaved parents and guardians
Bereavement Support Payment – Replaced Widowed Parent’s Allowance. A tax-free payment to help if your spouse or civil partner has died.
Guardian’s Allowance – Extra financial help if you’re bringing up a child whose parents have died (or in some cases if one parent has died).
Where to find out more
Once you’ve scanned what’s available, it’s worth checking what applies to you and how to claim:
GOV.UK – the most detailed and up-to-date information.
MoneyHelper – an independent, government-backed advice service.
Helplines – if you’d rather talk to someone, call the relevant Benefits Helpline listed on gov.uk.