Finance and Benefits
Information on finance and benefits for young parents
Having a baby can be expensive so make sure you are accessing all the benefits and money you are entitled to. Your support worker and your Jobcentre Plus adviser will be able to tell you what you can claim as some of these benefits depend on how old you are and your personal situation.
There is information on the Directgov website about loans and grants that you can claim.
Such as…
The Sure Start Maternity Grant: If you’re on a low income and getting certain benefits or tax credits, you could get a Sure Start Maternity Grant. This grant is a one-off payment to help towards the cost of maternity and baby items. It is tax free and you don’t have to repay it.
You can also check out Turn2us to make sure you are accessing the correct benefits and grants. They have a benefits checker on their website and you can also ask their expert advisers if you have questions about what you are entitled to. Call their helpline on 0808 802 2000.
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. Their website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/advice4me is especially for young people.
Ways to save money
Think about what you really need to buy for your baby, does it have to be brand new? Check out your local charity shops for clothes and accessories, Ebay and Gumtree are great places to find lots of second hand bargains for your baby. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) has Nearly New Sales which take place throughout the county and are a great place to pick up a bargain from clothes to equipment. Ask family and friends if they have things you can borrow too.
Emergency money available through loans
There are loans available to help if you are in an emergency or crisis situation or you need help to meet certain costs, these are accessed through your local Jobcentre Plus, so your adviser will be able to tell you about them. These loans are called Crisis Loans and Budgeting Loans and you can find out about these on the Directgov website.
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