Parents are constantly juggling to make ends meet while ensuring their children's happiness and contentment. However, those on various benefits, including Universal Credit, Income Support, and Child Tax Credit, could be eligible for free perks and payments that could significantly ease their budgeting.
Many parents might not realise that claiming benefits can unlock a host of additional support beyond their regular weekly or monthly payments. This could include financial aid to ensure your children have a healthy and nutritious diet.
It could also include free childcare enabling you to continue working. On top of that, you could get complimentary school meals for your child.
Here's a rundown of all the extra help you could receive as a parent on benefits. In total, if you were able to claim all of the support below, it could add up to £3,246, depending on where you live.
Free childcare - up to £1,739
If you're a parent claiming Universal Credit, you qualify for extra assistance with your childcare costs. At present, you can claim 85 per cent of your childcare expenses per month up to £1,014 for one child and £1,739 for two or more children.
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Thankfully, rule changes in June mean that the support for childcare costs is now paid upfront, rather than being reimbursed after you've already spent the money.
Up to £442 worth of free food per year
Parents who have just had a baby, or are about to, can claim up to £442 worth of free food each year through the Healthy Start Scheme. To qualify for the scheme, a claimant must be either more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old.
Parents must also be claiming one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit with less than £408 a month of total income
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit alongside a family income of £16,190 or less a year
However, parents under the age of 18 can apply for the scheme even if they are not claiming any benefits. Once you qualify for the scheme, you will receive a card that can be used at a variety of supermarkets and shops.
However, the card can only be used to buy certain products. These include vegetables, fruit, and milk.
Grant worth £500
Parents can claim up to £500 as a one-off payment via the Sure Start Maternity Grant. In order to qualify, you must be expecting your first child (or children if it's twins or more).
The grant can be claimed in an 11-week window prior to the baby's due date. Otherwise, it can be claimed up to six months after the baby is born.
Household Support Fund - £105
The Household Support Fund is a government scheme that allocates money to councils to help locals with the cost of living. As part of the support, some councils may choose to provide vouchers to help parents pay for things such as food or energy bills.
However, the decision on how to utilise the fund and who qualifies for the support is at the discretion of each individual council. Therefore, you should reach out to your local council and inquire about the Household Support Fund to see if you qualify for additional support as a parent on benefits.
As an example, Bracknell Forest Council is offering vouchers to those eligible to help with essential costs. Parents could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment for each child up to September 2024.
Free School Meals - £460
Parents claiming benefits can ensure their children receive a free meal at school. While this is automatically provided in years one and two, any time after that a parent must be claiming one of the following:
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- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
The level of support provided through the free school meals scheme may vary depending on your council, school, or area.
The precise sum available depends on where you live. However, the support is worth around £460 on average for a child a year, the Institute for Fiscal Studies says.
To see what level of support you can receive through this scheme, simply enter your postcode into the government website.
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