Cost of living support
Childcare and maternity costs
Find out what support is available with childcare and maternity costs in England. This includes free childcare hours and free school meals.
Find out about cost of living support in Scotland, support in Wales and support in Northern Ireland
Support you can get
Child Benefit
If you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) you can get help with child-related costs. Check if you’re eligible for Child Benefit.
Tax-Free Childcare
If you need help with the costs of childcare, check if you’re eligible for Tax-Free Childcare.
Free childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years old if you’re working
If you’re working and your child is aged 9 months to 4 years old, check if you’re eligible for free childcare.
15 hours free childcare a week for 3 to 4 year olds
All 3 to 4 year olds can get free childcare. Find out about 15 hours free childcare a week.
Free childcare for 2 year olds
If you or your child get extra support, check if you’re eligible for free childcare for 2 year olds.
Universal Credit and childcare
If you’re getting Universal Credit you can claim back some of your childcare costs. Find out about support available with childcare if you’re on Universal Credit.
If you’re a student
You can find out about the help available with childcare costs while you study.
Free childcare and activities during school holidays
You may be able to sign your child up for free childcare and activities during school holidays. Find your local council’s website for details about their holiday activities and food (HAF) programme, including which children are eligible.
Support with food and milk for your child
Free school meals
Your child may be able to get free school meals. Check if your child is eligible for free school meals on your council’s website.
Free breakfast clubs in primary schools
Your child’s primary school may offer a free breakfast club for all pupils. Check with the school to see if there’s a club available.
Free meals during school holidays
You may be able to get free meals for your child during school holidays. Find your local council’s website for details about their holiday activities and food (HAF) programme, including which children are eligible.
Healthy Start (food and milk for your child)
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 and you’re getting certain benefits you can get help to buy healthy food and milk. Check if you’re eligible for help to buy food and milk for your child on the NHS website.
Support with maternity costs
Maternity Allowance
You may be eligible for Maternity Allowance, if:
- you’re employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- you’re self-employed
- you’ve recently stopped working
Check if you’re eligible for Maternity Allowance.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
If you or your partner get certain benefits and you’re having a child check if you’re eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant.
Support with travel costs
Home to school transport
Find out if your child is eligible for help with the cost of home to school transport.
Family and Friends Railcard
If you travel by rail with your children you can check if you’re eligible for Family and Friends Railcard on the railcard website.