FAMILY BENEFITS UK
Parents will find key information on the different childcare benefits and Child Trust Funds.
There is further guidance on how Maternity Pay and Leave works for expectant mothers.
It also includes important advice on the Sure Start Maternity Grant. Check to see if you qualify for the special Guardianship Allowance.
Find out whether your child qualifies for free school meals. You can get all the latest guidance on benefits and allowances for carers if you use the services of a childminder.
Get all the facts about claiming family benefit if you had an injury during your time served in the armed forces.
UK Family Benefits Help Guide
Themes listed in this section link through to various welfare benefits to help your family cover the cost of raising children. We simplified them into three main topics:
- Benefits and tax allowances that focus on helping expectant mothers and expanding families.
- Getting financial assistance with the costs of childcare and making investments for children.
- Support and guidance with general advice for family households (e.g. using benefits calculators).
Note: Clicking on any of the page links will take you through to the relevant section to get further details.
1. Paternity and Maternity Benefits
Healthy Start
A Department of Health statutory scheme aims to provide a nutritional safety net. The Healthy Start free vouchers are for pregnant women and young children in some low-income families.
Maternity Allowance
The exact Maternity Allowance amount you get depends on your eligibility. You could get this pregnancy benefit if you do not already qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.
Maternity Pay and Leave
Statutory Maternity Pay is for those who take time off work to have a baby. As a rule, you are eligible to claim your maternity rights as well as a range of financial benefits.
Maternity Planner
Find out how to calculate your leave and pay for parents after you have a child. The online guide helps you check whether you can get maternity leave.
Parents’ Learning Allowance
The PLA grant is extra financial funding for full-time students who have dependent children. Check how the Parents’ Learning Allowance works and whether you can get it.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
The PLA grant is extra financial funding for full-time students who have dependent children. Check how the Parents’ Learning Allowance works and whether you can get it.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW: The A to Z list of benefits and allowances covers all categories of social welfare. Check out your rights to financial benefits and allowances in the United Kingdom.
2. Getting Help with Childcare
Apply for Free School Meals
The section explains how to apply for free school meals for children who qualify. Check the process of applying through your local authority.
Care to Learn Scheme
The purpose of the Care to Learn scheme is to help with childcare costs while you study in England. Find out how to apply and what you might get.
Carer’s Credit Allowance
The contribution helps to ensure carers do not lose out on social security benefits. Caring for someone means you may qualify to claim Carer’s Credit.
Child Trust Fund (CTF)
The Child Trust Fund is a special savings account for children. Check the guidance and advice on long-term tax-free savings for children.
Childcare Grant
The Childcare Grant 2020/21 helps student parents who are in full-time higher education. Find out how the CCGPS account replaces the need to use CCG1 and CCg2 form.
Get Help Paying for Childcare
Using the online government childcare calculator can help you find out what help you might get towards childcare costs.
Check how to get help with childcare costs for working parents. The total amount you receive depends on your household income and family circumstances.
Guardian’s Allowance
Eligibility provides money for looking after a child whose parents are no longer living. Find out the current Guardian’s Allowance rates and how to claim.
3. Help and Benefits for Families
Benefits Calculators
You can use a benefits calculator online to check what entitlements your family has. They are anonymous, independent, and free to use.
Universal Credit
The roll out of UC continues across the United Kingdom. Find out how Universal Credit is replacing six key welfare benefits with one monthly payment for those who qualify.
Armed Forces Injury Claims
Have you been injured while serving? If so, you might qualify for compensation. Check further details to see who can claim for armed forces injury and how the process works.
Are you a former serving personnel with an injury linked to your service in the armed forces? If so, you might meet the War Pension Scheme eligibility criteria.