Child Benefit
You may be able to get 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
There’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs.
If you are on a low income, out of work or unable to work, you may be able to get Universal Credit.
Council Tax discounts and exemptions
You may be able to reduce your Council Tax bill. Find out about Council Tax discounts, exemptions and reductions.
Council Tax support
If you are on a low income, you may be able to get Council Tax Support to help with your bill. You can apply even if you already receive other Council Tax discounts or exemptions.
Financial support for parent carers
Carer's Allowance
If you look after someone with an illness or disability who needs a lot of care, you may be able to get Carer’s Allowance.
Carer's Credit
If you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you may be able to get Carer’s Credit.
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If you look after a child under 16, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of their care.
Your child must have difficulty walking or need much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.
Your child will also need to meet all other eligibility requirements.
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
If you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that makes everyday tasks or getting around difficult, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may help with extra living costs.
You need to be 16 or over and usually under State Pension age.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
If you are unable to work, ESA provides money to help with living costs. If you are able to work, it provides support to help you get back into work.
Guardian's Allowance
If you are bringing up a child whose parents have died, you may be able to get Guardian’s Allowance.
Other benefits
If you look after children or plan to have or adopt a child, find out about benefits and financial support for families, including Child Benefit.
You can also find information about other benefits on GOV.UK.
Benefits calculators and other support
Entitledto
Use the entitledto free benefits calculator to find out which benefits you may be entitled to.
Turn2us
If you are struggling financially, Turn2us offers a free benefits calculator, a charitable grants search and help with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications.
Family Fund
If you’re on a low income and raising a disabled or seriously ill child, you may be able to get grants and other support from Family Fund.
Help with Health Costs
Find out about NHS help with health costs, including when you need to pay, help if you receive Universal Credit, travel costs and personal health budgets.
Prescriptions
Find out about NHS prescriptions, including charges, repeat prescriptions and whether you can get free prescriptions.
Last updated: 3 November 2026