Benefits Available To Parents
I am a single parent or guardian what benefits are available to me?
If you're a lone parent, then almost certainly, if you haven't already claimed, you will be entitled to child benefit. It's one of the few universal benefits that has very high take-up. In addition to that, the majority of families with dependent children would be entitled to some child tax credit, although the actual amount will vary a lot depending on what other income or savings you have coming in. Apart from that, it's very difficult to actually know what other entitlements you may be entitled to because of the different sets of circumstances. For example, it may depend on whether or not you rent or have a mortgage, whether you are receiving any child support maintenance, whether your child has a disability, whether you are working full time or part time, or if you have any child care costs. If you gathered all of those pieces of information together and sought advice, you should be able to find out what you are entitled to.
I live with my partner and we have two children, what benefits are available to me?
If you're a couple with dependent children, it's likely if you haven't already, that you should have claimed child benefits. It's a universal benefit and has very high take up. In addition to that there is a strong chance that you would be entitled to some amount of child tax credit, which is paid by Her Majesty's Revenues and Customs. Although the amount of child tax credit could vary a lot. It depends on whether you and/or your partner are working, what other savings you have. In addition to that a lot would depend on what other circumstances apply to your household: whether you rent or have a mortgage, whether your child or children have disabilities, whether you or your partner have a disability. So seek advice, that's the best thing.
I am the sole carer for my grandchildren, what benefits are available to me?
If you've recently become the sole carer to you grandchild or grandchildren, then you need to find out if anyone else is claiming benefits for them and see if you can get those benefits transferred to your name. For example, that might be the child benefits and/or the child tax credit. In addition to that, a lot will depend on your other circumstances. Are you the only adult in the household? Is there any other income coming in? Does anyone earn? Do you have a mortgage to pay? Do you have rent to pay? All of these different types of information are important. If you took that to an advice agency, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, they should be able to give you holistic advice and let you know what your entitlements are.
I am returning to work after maternity leave, can I get help with childcare costs?
If you think that you may not be entitled to it currently, seek advice. Once your childcare costs have been included in the working tax credit, housing tax benefit or council tax benefit calculation, you may find that you are, in fact, entitled. So seek advice.