Family & Childcare

Sure Start Maternity Grant

If you receive certain benefits and expecting your first child, you could also be eligible for a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. Find out more about the Sure Start Maternity Grant (GOV.UK).

Tax Free Childcare

You can get up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every three months if a child has disabilities (up to £4,000 a year).

Find out more about Tax-Free Childcare (GOV.UK)

Child Benefit

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or under 20 (if they stay in approved education or training). Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. It’s paid every four weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for. You may have to pay back some of your Child Benefit in tax if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000.

Find out more about Child Benefit (GOV.UK).

Universal Credit Childcare Costs

If you pay for childcare while you go to work, Universal Credit can pay some of your childcare costs. This includes holiday clubs, after-school clubs and breakfast clubs. Find out more about Universal Credit childcare costs (GOV.UK).