Parents often try to juggle the demands of everyday life while keeping their young ones happy and vigorous. For some, help such as Universal Credit, Income Support and Child Tax Credit can ease their financial worries.
Few are aware that receiving benefits can mean more help than just regular payments. More money means that children can be well-fed and cared for.
Here's an insight into the extra help available to parents on benefits, which can be as much as £3,246 a year, depending on where you live.
Universal Credit Support for Parents on Benefits in the UK
Free Childcare – Up to £1,739
Parents on Universal Credit can get significant help with their childcare costs. They can now claim 85% of their childcare costs each month, up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child and £1,739 for two or more children.
Recent changes implemented in June now allow for these costs to be covered upfront, rather than reimbursed after payment.
Healthy Start Scheme – Up to £442 a Year
New and soon-to-be parents can get the Healthy Start Scheme, which gives up to £442 of free food yearly. To get it, you should be over 10 weeks pregnant or have a kid under four, and have one of these benefits:
- Universal Credit and earn below £408 monthly
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance based on income
- Employment and Support Allowance based on income
Young parents under the age of 18 can apply even if they are not receiving benefit. If your application is successful, you will receive a card that will enable you to buy vegetables, fruit and milk free of charge in supermarkets and shops.
Sure Start Maternity Grant – £500
This grant gives parents expecting their first child or twins a one-off payment of £500. It is available from 11 weeks before the expected date of delivery until six months after the birth.
Eligibility and the type of support available vary by council, so it is advisable to contact your local council for specific information. For instance, Bracknell Forest Council offers a one-off £105 payment per child to eligible parents, available until September 2024.
Free School Meals – Up to £460
Children of parents on benefits can receive free school meals. While this is automatically provided for children in years one and two, older children can also receive free meals if their parents are claiming one of the following benefits:
Household Support Fund – £105
The Household Support Fund is a government initiative that provides councils with funds to help residents manage the cost of living. There are some councils that give vouchers which help with expenses such as food and energy bills.
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
The value of this support can vary by council and school but averages around £460 per child annually, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
To determine your eligibility and the specific support available in your area, you can enter your postcode on the government website.
