What financial support can parents get?

Here are some of the benefits parents can apply for:

Child Benefit

For parents responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training).

Universal Credit

For families on a low income needing extra support to meet their basic living costs. 

Carer’s Allowance

For parents spending at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person who is on certain disability benefits and does not work, or works but earns less than £139 a week. 

Council Tax Reduction 

Families on a low income may be entitled to a discount on their council tax bill. 

Pension Credit

For families on low income, but only if they are over State Pension age. 

New-Style Jobseeker’s Allowance 

For parents who have worked and paid sufficient National Insurance contributions in the last two to three years and are unemployed and looking for work, or working 16 hours a week or less and looking for additional work. 

New-Style Employment and Support Allowance 

For parents who have worked and paid sufficient National Insurance contributions in the last two to three years and are unable to work due to ill health or disability.