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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Here’s an insight into the extra help available to parents on benefits, which can be as much as \u00a33,246 a year, depending on where you live.<\/p>\n

Universal Credit<\/strong> Support for Parents on Benefits in the UK<\/h3>\n

Free Childcare \u2013 Up to \u00a31,739<\/h3>\n

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 \u00a31,014 for one child and \u00a31,739 for two or more children<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Recent changes implemented in June now allow for these costs to be covered upfront, rather than reimbursed after payment.<\/p>\n

Healthy Start Scheme \u2013 Up to \u00a3442 a Year<\/h3>\n

New and soon-to-be parents can get the Healthy Start Scheme, which gives up to \u00a3442 of free food yearly<\/strong>. To get it, you should be over 10 weeks pregnant or have a kid under four, and have one of these benefits:<\/p>\n

\n
• Universal Credit and earn below \u00a3408 monthly<\/strong><\/li>\n
• Pension Credit<\/strong><\/li>\n
• Income Support<\/strong><\/li>\n
• Jobseeker’s Allowance based on income<\/strong><\/li>\n
• Employment and Support Allowance based on income<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  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.<\/p>\n

  Sure Start Maternity Grant \u2013 \u00a3500<\/h3>\n

  This grant gives parents expecting their first child or twins a one-off payment of \u00a3500<\/strong><\/a>. It is available from 11 weeks before the expected date of delivery until six months after the birth.<\/p>\n

  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 \u00a3105 payment per child to eligible parents, available until September 2024.<\/p>\n

  Free School Meals \u2013 Up to \u00a3460<\/h3>\n

  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:<\/p>\n

  Household Support Fund \u2013 \u00a3105<\/h3>\n

  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.<\/p>\n

  \n
  • Income Support<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Child Tax Credit<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Working Tax Credit<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Universal Credit<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The value of this support can vary by council and school but averages around \u00a3460 per child annually, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.<\/p>\n

    To determine your eligibility and the specific support available in your area, you can enter your postcode on the government website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    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 …