Tax-free childcare

You can get up to £2,000 a year for each child to help with the cost of childcare.

Claim tax-free childcare

Help with childcare costs

Funded childcare information

Child benefit

You can claim Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:

  • under 16
  • under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

It’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

Claim Child Benefit

Claim back childcare costs

If you’re eligible for Universal Credit you may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs.

Find out more about claiming back childcare costs

Help when you're pregnant

Free school meals

If you're on a low income and receive certain benefits, your child can get free school meals.

School meals are a good way to make sure your child eats well at lunchtime and can save you time and money.

Apply for free school meals.

Holiday activities and food 

If you claim certain benefits and your child gets free school meals, they can attend activities in the christmas, easter and summer holidays and get a meal, all for free.

Find out about free holiday activities and food

Local support for families

If you have young children your local children's centre can help you find information and support if you need it.

Find your nearest Children's Centre