Help For Families
Explore the help available for families struggling with the cost of living.
Child Benefit
Those you support may be able to get help with the costs of bringing up children. Child Benefit can provide an allowance for each child they have responsibility for, depending on their age and personal circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Child Benefit - Citizens Advice
What is Child Benefit? - Turn2us
Maternity Allowance
If women are not entitled to Maternity Pay through their employer, they might be able to receive Maternity Allowance from the government instead. This is dependent on how many weeks they have been working and earning in the weeks ahead of their due date.
You can find more information here:
Maternity pay - Citizens Advice
Maternity Grant
Expectant mothers could get a one-off payment to help towards the cost of having a child, if they are expecting their first child or a multiple birth. They will need to be receiving certain benefits, but these will not be impacted.
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. Children may be able to receive free school meals beyond this if their parent(s) are receiving particular benefits or have a certain immigration status. To apply, families will need to contact schools directly.
You can find more information here:
Help with school costs - Citizens Advice
Free School Transport
Children may be able to get free transport to school if they live a certain distance away. The relevant distance is less if they receive free school meals or their parent(s) 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
Those you support may be able to get financial help to buy healthy food and milk, if they are more than ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old. They 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. The Essential Items Service requires you to make a referral, via the online form, whilst the Top Up Shop is open to all.
You can find more information here:
MK Storehouse
Those you support 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 to make an initial referral via their online referral form.
You can find more information here: