CBChild Benefit
Universal payment for anyone responsible for a child.
£26.05/wk (first child)
Family & ChildrenLearn more
Family & Children Benefits in the UK
Families with children may be entitled to a range of financial support from the UK government. Some family benefits, such as Child Benefit, are available regardless of income, while others are means-tested and depend on your household circumstances. Support ranges from regular weekly payments to one-off grants for new parents. If you are expecting a baby, raising children, or looking after someone else's child, it is worth checking what benefits could be available to you. Many families miss out on support they could be receiving simply because they are not aware of what is available.
Family & Children Benefits
7 benefits in this category. Amounts shown are current 2025/26 rates and represent the maximum you could receive if your application is successful.
CB
CTCChild Tax Credit
Extra money for families with children, based on household income.
Varies
Family & ChildrenLearn more
SSMGSure Start Maternity Grant
A one-off £500 payment to help with the costs of a new baby.
£500 one-off
Family & ChildrenLearn more
GAGuardian's Allowance
Extra money for people raising a child whose parents have died.
£21.75/wk
Family & ChildrenLearn more
MAMaternity Allowance
For pregnant women who have been employed or self-employed.
Up to £172.48/wk
Family & ChildrenLearn more
FSMFree School Meals
Free meals during term time for children of families on low income.
Up to £15/wk per child
Family & ChildrenLearn more
HSHealthy Start
Prepaid card for milk, fruit, and vitamins for pregnant women and families with young children.
Up to £4.25/wk
Family & ChildrenLearn more
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can claim Child Benefit?
Anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) can claim Child Benefit. It is not means-tested, so it is available regardless of your income. However, if you or your partner earn more than £60,000 per year, you may have to pay back some or all of it through the High Income Child Benefit Charge. You can still claim and receive National Insurance credits even if you choose not to receive the payments.
What benefits are available for pregnant women?
If you are pregnant, you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance (if you have been employed or self-employed), Statutory Maternity Pay (through your employer), Sure Start Maternity Grant (a one-off £500 payment if you receive a qualifying benefit and are expecting your first child), and Healthy Start vouchers for milk, fruit, and vitamins. You may also be eligible for Universal Credit or an increase in your existing benefits.
Can I get free school meals for my children?
Free school meals may be available if your child attends a state school and you receive a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit (with a net earned income below the threshold), Income Support, income-based JSA, or Pension Credit. All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 at state schools in England are entitled to universal free school meals regardless of income. Eligibility criteria can vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby. You may be eligible if you are expecting your first child (or expecting a multiple birth) and you or your partner receive a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit. You can claim from 11 weeks before the expected due date up to 6 months after the birth.
Explore other benefit categories
Benefits often work together. You may be eligible for support across multiple categories.
Check what benefits you could be entitled to
Our free eligibility checker covers 20+ UK benefits. It takes around 15 minutes and there is no obligation.
Check eligibilityCheck your eligibility for 20+ UK benefits
Bank-level securityGDPR compliant15-minute check
Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.