Payments for Parents – Are you getting your financial entitlements?

There are all sorts of different financial entitlements available to help parents bring up children in England. Not all of them are dependent on receiving benefits and many parents are not fully aware of the help available to them.

The Payment for Parents website is a really useful resource for checking what your family may be entitled to.

http://paymentsforparents.direct.gov.uk/index.html

Health in Pregnancy Grant
This one-off payment is given to every pregnant women from the 25th week of pregnancy. It will not affect other benefits. The form should be given to you by your midwife.

Medical Exemption
Pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months after birth.

Sure Start Maternity Grant
Pregnant women on low incomes are entitled to this one-off payment to help with the cost of a new baby. Must be claimed between 28 weeks of pregnancy and three months of giving birth.

Income Support
Single parents not available to work can claim financial help with their living.

Healthy Start
The Healthy Start scheme gives eligible families and pregnant women vouchers to spend on fresh milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.

Child Benefit
Every person with care, responsible for bringing up a child is entitled to this benefit.

Child Trust Fund
All children born in the UK will be entitled to their own Child Trust Fund. New parents should automatically receive a voucher for £250 to start the account. When the child becomes seven years of age, they will receive another £250. Families on lower incomes will receive an additional £250 at each stage.

Child Tax Credit
The Tax Credit system is complex but can give a top-up to families with a low household income. If your situation slightly changes from the information you have told them on your initial claim, tell them, tell them and tell them again. Keep records of phone calls made and always take the operators name.