Benefits for Parents
Parents (or guardians) are entitled to a wide range of benefits. Click on the links below for the most up-to-date information and for the appropriate forms.
Child benefit - A benefit for people bringing up children, paid for each child and is NOT affected by income or savings.
Sure Start Maternity Grant - A one-off payment of £500 to help with the immediate needs of your new baby, available to those on a low income.
Maternity Allowance - For working mothers (including part-time and self-employed) who are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay from their employer. Also check the goverments guide to maternity leave.
Child Tax Credit - 9 out of 10 families can get tax credits. It is a means tested allowance for parents of children who are still in full-time education. All families can claim Child Tax Credit if their income is no more than £58,000 a year (up to £66,000 if you have a child under one.) You don't have to be the child's parent to claim, but you must be the main person responsible for them.
Working tax credit - Working Tax Credit is designed to help people on low incomes whether they are employed or self-employed and can include support for qualifying childcare. You don't need children to claim this one!
Child Support Maintenance - For Lone parents money paid by a 'non-resident' parent to help you with the cost of bringing up their child.
Guardians Allowance - For people bringing up a child whose parents have died.
Child Trust Fund voucher - The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term tax-free savings and investment account for all children born on or after 1 September 2002. The goverment will give every eligible child a voucher worth at least £250 to start the fund. To be eligibe the child must be born on or after 01/09/02, you must qualify for child benefit and you must live in the UK.
The government will send you a CTF voucher of £250 to start your child’s account. If your child is part of a household getting Child Tax Credit, with a household income at or below £13,910 (in 2005/6), your child will get an extra £250 – so £500 in all. In the budget on 22/03/2006 the government announced that on the childs 7th birthday the government make a further contribution of £250, with children in lower-income families receiving an additional £250.
Care to Learn? If you are under 19 and want to start or return to learning, care to learn may be able to pay for your childcare and travel costs. If you're over 19 take a look at Money to Learn.
Also take a look at Benefits and help for parents going back to work.
Free NHS Dental Treatment and Prescriptions.
During your pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby is born all women are entitled to free dental treatment and prescriptions. You GP or midwife will give you an application form to get the exemption certificate from your Health Authority.