Benefits
To check what benefits you might be entitled to quickly and easily, you can use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator
To read more about the benefits available for people who are bringing up a child, select from the list below:
Child Benefit - if you are responsible for bringing up a child aged under 16 or a young person aged under 20 if they are still in full-time education up to A level or equivalent, or on certain approved training courses.
Universal Credit - if you are aged between 16 and pension age and on a low income or aren't working. It includes amounts for children. For new claimants, Universal Credit replaces the help that used to be given through Child Tax Credits. If you are a lone parent, see Single Parents: Claimant Commitment under Universal Credit.
Child Tax Credit - if you are 16 or over and responsible for bringing up a child aged under 16 or a young person aged under 20 if they are still in full-time education up to A level or equivalent, or on certain approved training courses. Child Tax Credit is gradually being replaced by Universal Credit. Our guide on Child Tax Credit has information on who can still get it.
Guardian's Allowance - if you are bringing up a child whose parents have died or one has died and the other is unable to look after them in certain circumstances. You have to also be getting Child Benefit for the child.
If you are a fostering a child, read our Foster carers and benefits guide.
Scotland only
Scottish Child Payment: The Scottish Child Payment is a payment for families with children living in Scotland.
Related information
England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Scotland
Grants
To find out what help may be available from grant giving charities, you can use the Turn2us Grants Search
If you are looking for help with electricity, water or gas bills, do the first step of the search where you are asked about postcode, age and gender. At the top of the next page, choose the Energy and Water Providers category to find energy and water company schemes and grant-giving charities that may be able to help you with these costs.
Advice and Support
Turn2us is unable to offer advice on individual situations. To find an adviser in your area to discuss your situation with, you can use the Turn2us Find an Adviser
Further information resources
Useful tools
The Reuse Network
A national body dedicated to alleviating poverty and tackling climate change.
Are you looking for somewhere you can find affordable household items, find a reuse centre near you
Last updated: October 2021