Benefits available to those on a low income

There are lots of benefits available to everyone on a low income, not just single parents. The below is given as a guide only due to the current welfare overhaul by the government.

Tax credits
Tax Credits are complicated but can help with the cost  of bringing up children. There are child tax credits and working tax credits. A childcare element is available as part of working tax credits.

Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a weekly payment made to families bringing up children. Currently undergoing changes.

Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay
Available for fathers to take time off of work.

Statutory Maternity Pay
Maternity pay for pregnant women who have worked during a qualifying period.

Maternity Allowance
Maternity Allowance is for women who are not entitled to SMP.

Widowed Parent’s Allowance
An allowance for widowed parents with dependent children aged under 16 or 19 and are in full-time education

Statutory Adoption Pay
Statutory Adoption Pay allows parents to take time off after adopting a child.

Sure Start Maternity Grant
A one-off payment to help with costs of a new baby.

Healthy Start vouchers
Free milk, infant formula, vitamins and fresh fruit and vegetables voucher scheme for pregnant women and/those with a child under five years old

Council Tax Benefit
Help with the cost of your Council Tax bill. Check for single occupier status.

Cold Weather Payment
Cold Weather Payments are automatically paid to people on certain benefits during very cold weather

Income Support
Help for people who cannot work

Housing Benefit
Help with the cost of your rent

Getting help with your mortgage interest payments
Help with the cost of your mortgage interest payments

Crisis Loans
An interest-free loan to help with emergency or disaster

Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance is housing benefit if you are renting from a private landlord and on a low income

Budgeting Loans
An interest-free loan to help pay for things like furniture, clothes and travel.

Community Care Grants
Community Care Grant money is to help if you are homeless, leaving prison, caring for someone or facing family breakdown

Legal Aid
Legal Aid to help you with legal issues

Christmas Bonus
One-off Christmas Bonus £10 tax-free payment made before 25 December to people on eligible benefits.