Help For Families
Explore the help available if your family is struggling with the cost of living.
Child Benefit
You may be able to get help with the costs of bringing up children. Child Benefit can provide an allowance for each child you have responsibility for, depending on their age and circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Child Benefit - Citizens Advice
What is Child Benefit? - Turn2us
Maternity Allowance
If you are not entitled to Maternity Pay through your employer, you might be able to receive Maternity Allowance from the government instead. This is dependent on how many weeks you have been working and earning in the weeks ahead of your due date.
You can find more information here:
Maternity pay - Citizens Advice
Maternity Grant
You could get a one-off payment of £500 towards the cost of having a child, if you are receiving certain benefits and either expecting your first child or a multiple birth. You do not have to pay the grant back and it will not affect your other benefits.
You can find more information here:
Get help with the cost of living - Citizens Advice
Sure Start Maternity Grant: Overview - GOV.UK
What is a Sure Start Maternity Grant? - Turn2us
What benefits can I claim when I'm pregnant or have a baby? - MoneyHelper
Free School Meals
All children receive free school meals up to the end of Year Two. Your children may be able to receive free school meals beyond this if you are receiving particular benefits or have a certain immigration status. To apply, you need to contact your children’s school directly.
You can find more information here:
Help with school costs - Citizens Advice
Free School Transport
Your children may be able to get free transport to school if you live a certain distance away. The relevant distance is less if they receive free school meals or you receive maximum Working Tax Credit.
You can find more information here:
Help with school costs - Citizens Advice
Home to School Transport | Milton Keynes City Council
Healthy Start Scheme
You may be able to get financial help to buy healthy food and milk, if you are more than ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old. You will need to be on a low income and/ or receiving certain benefits.
You can find more information here:
Get help to buy food and milk- Healthy Start
Baby Basics MK
Supporting families across Milton Keynes, Baby Basics MK can provide a range of clothing, toiletries, food and equipment for babies and young children. Their Essential Items Service is available via referral, whilst their Top Up Shop is open to all.
You can find more information here:
MK Storehouse
You can find free, good quality second hand clothing for children and adults, at MK Storehouse. Wide ranging items are available, including school uniform, but you will need an initial referral from someone like your GP, Housing Officer or Support Worker.
You can find more information here: