financial help for parents
navigation and tools
in 'learn'
You are here - home : learn : early years and childcare : financial help for parents
Financial help for parents
Raising children and paying for childcare can be an expensive business, but for many parents there is some help at hand. This page introduces financial support for childcare - to get an idea of what you might get, see the Entitled To website.
Tax Credits
Nine out of ten families are entitled to tax credits, depending on circumstances.
- Child Tax Credit offers support for families with children - you do not have to be working to claim this credit.
- Working Tax Credit provides help for working people on low income - families eligible for this credit can also apply for help towards registered or approved childcare costs
For further information or call the Tax Credits helpline on (0845) 300 3900 or textphone (0845) 300 3909. You could also go to the Tax Enquiry Centre at 11 Regents Hill, Upper North Street, Brighton and speak to one of their specialist Tax Credit staff.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
This one-off £500 grant is for new parents who are on a low income and is to help with the extra costs of having a baby. For more information contact Sure Start on (0870) 000 2288 or visit www.surestart.gov.ukFree early learning
From the term after their third birthday until the term in which they turn five, children are eligible for free early learning. To qualify for the autumn, spring or summer term a child must be 3 years old before 1 September, 1 January, or 1 April respectively. See our early education page for more information.Employer supported childcare
Employers can offer employees support with childcare costs by supplying childcare vouchers or contracting a childcare provider on your behalf - usually in exchange for part of your salary. For example, Brighton & Hove City Council offers support for employees in partnership with Sodexho.
If your employer offers this type of support you may benefit from the changes to tax and National Insurance Contribution rules For more information, visit the HMRC website, contact The Daycare Trust or speak to your HR department.
New Deal for Lone Parents
If you are a lone parent and are thinking of starting work you can recieve advice and guidance on training, childcare and ensure that you claim all the financial help available when you return to work For further information contact your local Jobcentre Plus office on (01273) 647469 (for Brighton) or (01273) 368100 (for Hove)Financial help for students with children
The local education authority administers a range of grants for students in higher education as well as travel grants for students in further education - for advice or an application form see the student support webpages or call (01273) 293603.
Students in further education needing financial help with childcare should also contact their college for information, if they are not eligible for Care to Learn.
16 year old students may be eligible to claim an Education Maintenance Allowance - applications should be made through your school or college. For more information you can call the free EMA helpline on (0808) 101 6219.
More information and advice on financial matters for students can be found on the Direct Gov website.