Support is different in each UK nation. Choose yours and Bloom shows only what applies to you.
Amounts, hours and deadlines change, so Bloom links to the official page instead of quoting figures. Each item shows when a person last checked it.
Money
Child Benefit
Paid for each child you're responsible for. Worth claiming even if a high earner has to pay some back, because it protects your National Insurance record.
Link checked August 2026
Universal Credit
The main means-tested payment for working-age families, including help with childcare costs and housing.
Link checked August 2026
Maternity pay and leave
Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance and your rights at work while pregnant and on leave.
Link checked August 2026
Paternity and Shared Parental Leave
Leave and pay for the other parent, and how to split leave between you.
Link checked August 2026
Disability Living Allowance for children
Extra help if your child needs more care or supervision than others their age. Available for under-16s.
Link checked August 2026
Sure Start Maternity Grant
A one-off payment towards the cost of a new baby for families on qualifying benefits.
Link checked August 2026
Childcare
Education
Apply for a primary school place
How admissions work and where to apply. Deadlines are set locally, so check your own council.
Link checked August 2026
Free school meals
Eligibility differs by nation. Worth applying even if your child already gets a universal infant meal, because it triggers extra school funding.
Link checked August 2026
Children with special educational needs
How SEN support works in schools and how to request a statutory assessment.
Link checked August 2026
Advice
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, debt, housing, work and consumer problems.
Link checked August 2026
Turn2us benefits calculator
Check what you could claim and find grants from charitable funds.
Link checked August 2026
Family Lives
A free confidential helpline for any parenting worry, however small.
Link checked August 2026
Contact — for families with disabled children
Practical help with benefits, education, health and getting the right support.
Link checked August 2026
Bloom Chapters is not a benefits adviser. If your situation is complicated, Citizens Advice, Advice NI and Turn2us all give free, independent help.