Family finances and benefits

Finances, benefits and other support for your family

Family life can be expensive and put a strain on your finances.

Child benefit is one of the benefits most families are entitled to. Find out more about benefits you may be entitled to at Gov.uk.

Families with under-fives

NHS.uk has information on the financial support, leave and other benefits available to pregnant and new parents. NHS prescriptions and dental treatment are free while you're pregnant and for 12 months after your baby's due date. Children also get free prescriptions until they're 16. Find out about financial support around returning to work and childcare at Kent Baby.

Benefits or money worries

You should get advice on benefits as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Benefits have to be claimed on different forms, from different offices, depending on what you're claiming. There are lots of voluntary organisations that are happy to help so ask them for advice.

Citizens Advice provides dedicated confidential and impartial money advice to new or soon-to-be parents if you're struggling with your money and mental health.
Gingerbread and Working Families are voluntary organisations that offer free advice.
For advice on your rights at work, call ACAS on 0300 123 1100.
If you're 19 or under, you can get advice on work from the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900.
You can claim Healthy Start vouchers if you are on certain benefits and are pregnant or have children under the age of four. These weekly vouchers can be used to buy milk, fruit and vegetables, pulses, and infant formula milk. You can also get vitamin supplements.

Families with school-aged children

Free school meals: All children in reception, and years one and two are entitled to free school meals. If you get certain benefits and your child is under-19 and in full-time education visit Kent County Council’s website to check if they could be entitled to free school meals after key stage one. Children who receive free school meals may also be eligible for reduced rates for school trips, after-school care and holiday clubs. Speak to your child’s school to see if they offer any help.

School costs: Contact your child’s school to see if they are selling, or giving away, pre-loved uniforms. Alternatively, Citizens Advice Bureau offers advice on school costs including uniforms.

Travel costs: Secondary school pupils can get up to 50 per cent off the cost of yearly bus travel with a Travel Saver pass. 16 to 19-year-olds travelling to school or college can save up 50 per cent with the 16+ bus Travel Saver pass.

Help with family costs

If you’re struggling to balance your budget or worried about debt reach out for help.

Utility costs: Contact your energy supplier and speak to them about payment options if you’re struggling to pay your bills. Visit the Uswitch website or Citizens Advice to check the options available to you. Kent County Council has information on energy grants and support. If you claim certain benefits, see if you are also entitled to a cold weather payment. This gives you £25 if the temperature is below freezing for seven consecutive days.

Food banks: Local food banks provide emergency food for free to those who need it. You can search for your nearest one on the Kent County Council website.

Managing debt: There is support available if you can struggling to pay your rent or repay loans or credit cards. It’s better to deal with any problems you have than try to ignore them. Make a budget by listing all of the money coming in and out of your household, and see if there are any expenses you can reduce. Contact StepChange or Citizens Advice who provide advice and solutions to help manage and reduce debts.

For families who might need further support

If a young person has additional needs, they might need extra support to gain independence. If they apply for a further education course contact their college before they start to make sure the college can meet their needs. The college and your local authority will then speak to them about any support they may need. Parents and carers of children with additional needs may be entitled to extra financial support.

Useful resources

Money helper offer free impartial guidance on finances including making a budget as well as a dedicated section for new parents.
Turn2us provides practical support to people who are struggling financially with a benefits calculator and details of schemes and grants in your area, including help available for energy and water bills. You can also call them on 0808 802 2000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for more support.
Kent Money Advice Hub Citizen's Advice has launched a new hub to support people in Kent with the cost of living. It's completely free and confidential. Visit kentmoneyadvicehub.com or call 0800 808 5622, Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm. The service is also accessible through kiosks installed in community spaces in Gravesham, Cliftonville, Ramsgate, Aylesham and Ashford.
Kent County Council can offer financial support with council tax, housing and debt advice.
You can call 0808 208 2138, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm to speak to a trained Citizens Advice adviser at the Trussell Trust. They can support you to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to.