Having a new baby is an exciting time, but it is also an expensive one. Fortunately, the UK has a range of financial support measures for families with young children, and many families are entitled to more than they realise. This guide covers the main benefits and entitlements available to families with a new baby, including who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to apply.
Note: benefit rates and thresholds change each April. The figures given here reflect the 2025–26 tax year; always check gov.uk for the most current rates before applying.
Child Benefit is the most widely received benefit for families with children and is available to almost all families regardless of income — though a High Income Child Benefit Charge applies if either parent earns over £60,000 a year.
How much: For the 2025–26 year, Child Benefit is £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child, and £16.95 per week for each additional child.
When to claim: You can claim as soon as your baby is registered (registration should happen within 42 days of birth). You can claim online or by completing a CH2 form. Claims can be backdated up to 3 months.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC): If you or your partner's individual income exceeds £60,000 in a tax year, you will need to pay back some or all of the Child Benefit received through your Self Assessment tax return. The charge phases in gradually between £60,000 and £80,000, where it equals 100% of the benefit. If either of you earns over £80,000, it may not be worth claiming — though it is still worth doing so to protect National Insurance credits for the lower-earning partner.
Important: Even if you decide not to receive Child Benefit payments due to the HICBC, you should still complete the claim form and tick the box to opt out of payments. This protects your NI record for State Pension purposes and ensures your child is automatically issued a National Insurance number at 16.
Universal Credit (UC) is a means-tested benefit that replaces several older benefits, including Tax Credits. If your household income is low, you may be entitled to a significant amount of support.
Key elements relevant to new parents:
Maternity and UC: Statutory Maternity Pay counts as income for UC purposes. Your UC award will reduce as your SMP decreases after the first six weeks.
To check whether you are likely to be entitled to UC, use the free Turn2Us benefits calculator or the Entitledto calculator before applying.
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby. It is tax-free and does not need to be repaid.
Eligibility: You must be claiming certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit. For a first child, you can claim if you are already claiming a qualifying benefit. For subsequent children, you can only claim if you are expecting a multiple birth (twins, triplets etc.) and do not already have children under 16.
Timing: Claims must be made between 11 weeks before your due date and 3 months after the birth. You cannot claim retrospectively if you miss this window.
How to claim: Contact the Jobcentre Plus on 0800 169 0140 or complete form SF100 (available on gov.uk).
Healthy Start is a government scheme providing weekly vouchers to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, and milk, plus free vitamins for pregnant women and families with children under four.
Eligibility: You must be at least 10 weeks pregnant, or have a child under four years old, and be receiving certain benefits (Universal Credit with a household income under £408 per month from employment, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, or NHS Low Income Scheme). Pregnant women under 18 are eligible regardless of benefit status.
Value (2025–26):
Vouchers are loaded onto a prepaid Healthy Start card and can be used at supermarkets and other participating shops.
Free vitamins: As a Healthy Start recipient, you are entitled to free Healthy Start vitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding women (containing folic acid, vitamins C and D) and free children's vitamins (A, C, and D). These are available from some GP surgeries, health centres, and children's centres. Ask your midwife or health visitor.
The government's free childcare offer has expanded significantly in recent years.
15 hours per week (the "universal" offer): All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded early education per week for 38 weeks a year (or a stretched version across more weeks).
30 hours per week: Three and four year olds whose parents both work (or a single parent who works) and who each earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at National Living Wage but less than £100,000 per year are entitled to 30 hours per week.
9 months to 3 years (expanded offer): From September 2024, the free childcare entitlement has been expanding to cover children from 9 months old, following the same working parent eligibility rules as the 30-hour offer. Check gov.uk for the current rollout status as this is being implemented in phases.
Tax-Free Childcare: This scheme allows you to open an online account and for every £8 you put in, the government adds £2, up to £500 every three months (£2,000 per year) per child. You cannot use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as the 30-hour free childcare offer for the same child — compare both options to see which gives you the better deal.
If you are employed, you may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer. SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks: at 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then at the statutory flat rate (£187.18 per week in 2025–26) or 90% of your earnings if lower, for the remaining 33 weeks.
If you do not qualify for SMP (because you have not been employed long enough or earn below the lower earnings limit), you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance from the government. This is paid for up to 39 weeks at £187.18 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Self-employed women may also qualify.
If your income has dropped significantly since the baby arrived, you may be entitled to a reduction in your council tax bill through your local council's Council Tax Support scheme. Each council has slightly different rules; contact yours directly or check your council's website.
The benefits system is complex, and many families miss out on support they are genuinely entitled to. Free, independent benefits calculators are available through:
Do not assume you will not qualify without checking. Many working families on moderate incomes are eligible for more support than they realise.
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