Parents miss out on thousands in benefits – check what you can claim now

Anyone with children knows that raising a family is expensive. From nappies and cots to childcare and everyday costs, expenses can quickly add up and put pressure on household budgets.

However, there is a wide range of UK benefits for parents, including grants, childcare support and free school meals — and much of this help goes unclaimed.

Make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to with this guide to financial support for families.

Who can claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant?

If you’re on certain benefits, including Universal Credit, and expecting your first child, you could qualify for the Sure Start Maternity Grant.

It's a one-off payment of £500 that does not need to be repaid. The cash can be used for essentials like a pram, cot or baby equipment or anything else that prepares for your new arrival.

You can also qualify if you already have children but are expecting twins, triplets or multiple births.

Can I claim Healthy Start vouchers?

The Healthy Start scheme helps parents afford nutritious food during pregnancy and early childhood.

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you could get up to £442 per year in support.

You can use the vouchers or prepaid card on essentials including:

• Milk

• Fruit and vegetables

• Infant formula

The scheme is available to those receiving benefits including Universal Credit.

What is Child Benefit and how much can you get?

Child Benefit is one of the most widely claimed forms of financial support for parents in the UK.

Current rates:

• £27.05 per week (£1,406.60 a year) for your eldest or only child

• £17.90 per week (£930.80 a year) for each additional child

You can claim if you’re responsible for a child:

• Under 16

• Or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

If you or your partner earns more than £60,000, you’ll start paying some of the benefit back through the high income child benefit charge.

Once you earn more than £80,000, the charge cancels out the benefit.

However, it’s still worth claiming as it provides National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension.

What help can I get with childcare costs?

Childcare is one of the biggest costs for families, but there are several schemes to help reduce bills.

Eligible parents can claim up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for children under five

To qualify both parents must be working and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage.

You can also cut costs with a tax-free childcare account. For every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 worth up to £500 every three months per child and a maximum £2,000 per year per child.

If your child is disabled you can get up to £4,000 per year.

Extra childcare help for Universal Credit claimants

If you receive Universal Credit, you may be able to claim back up to 85% of childcare costs up to £1,071.09 for one child per month or £1,836.16 for two or more children.

You’ll need to pay the money and claim back through your Universal Credit account, and be working or have a confirmed job offer.

Who qualifies for free school meals?

Free school meals can significantly reduce family spending.

In England all children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 get free meals

Older children can also qualify if you receive certain benefits.