Updated reflecting the latest UK government support available to families as of May 2025.
Government Support for Families in the UK (Updated May 2025)
Many clients ask about the government support available to families. While this isn't my primary area of expertise, here's a brief overview of key support options, along with links for more detailed information. Please note that some policies are under review and may change in the near future.
Pregnancy and Post-Birth Support
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP): Available to employees, SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks:
- 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks
- £187.18 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks (GOV.UK)
Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay: Employees can take either 1 or 2 weeks’ leave. For babies due after 6 April 2024, the two weeks can be taken together or separately. Eligibility requires 26 weeks of continuous employment and earnings above the lower earnings limit (£125 per week from April 2025). (GOV.UK, Arbor Law)
Maternity Allowance: If you're self-employed or not eligible for SMP, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance, paid for up to 39 weeks. Eligibility includes being registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby's due date .(GOV.UK)
Sure Start Maternity Grant: A one-off £500 payment for first-time parents or those expecting multiple births. You or your partner must be receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Income Support.
Adoption Support
Adoptive parents may be eligible for Statutory Adoption Pay and Leave. Eligibility criteria are similar to those for maternity leave, including continuous employment and earnings above the lower earnings limit. (adoptionengland.co.uk, Arbor Law)
Parental Leave
Employees are entitled to up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave for each child, up to their 18th birthday. The annual limit is 4 weeks per child, unless your employer agrees to more. Leave must be taken in whole weeks unless your child is disabled or your employer allows otherwise.(GOV.UK)
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is available to all families:
- £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child
- £17.25 per week for each additional child (BBC)
If you or your partner earn over £60,000 annually, you may be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge .(GOV.UK)
Childcare Support
Tax-Free Childcare: Eligible working families can receive up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children) to help with childcare costs. For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2. (The Scottish Sun)
30 Hours Free Childcare: Starting September 2025, working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week. Eligibility requires working at least 16 hours per week and earning between £9,518 and £100,000 annually. (Education Hub, The Scottish Sun)
Support for Students
Care to Learn: Provides funding for childcare to help young parents (under 20) continue in education after the birth of a child. It can also assist with travel costs related to childcare. (GOV.UK)
Parents’ Learning Allowance: Offers up to £2,024 for the 2025–2026 academic year to full-time undergraduate students with children. The amount depends on household income and does not need to be repaid. (Practitioners)
Food Support
Free School Meals: Children in families receiving certain benefits may be eligible for free school meals. Legislation is being considered to automatically register eligible children to ensure they receive this support. (House of Commons Library)
Healthy Start Scheme: Provides a prepaid card to help pregnant women and families with children under 4 buy healthy food and milk. Eligibility includes being more than 10 weeks pregnant or having a child under 4, and receiving certain benefits or earning £408 or less per month from employment. (Find a Grant, Healthy Start)
Support for Children with Additional Needs
Disability Living Allowance (DLA): A tax-free benefit for children under 16 who have difficulty walking or need more care than other children of the same age. Rates vary depending on the level of care and mobility needs. (Wisconsin State Firefighters Association)
Disabled Facilities Grants: Help cover the cost of home adaptations for disabled individuals. Applications are made through local councils, and eligibility includes various housing situations. (Find a Grant, Find a Grant)
Support for Separated Families
Child Maintenance Service (CMS): Assists separated parents in arranging child maintenance payments. While private arrangements are encouraged, CMS can intervene if necessary. As of December 2024, only about 59% of eligible families have a maintenance arrangement in place. (UK Parliament Committees)
Guardian’s Allowance
If you're raising a child whose parents have died, you may be eligible for Guardian’s Allowance, currently £20.40 per week. Certain conditions apply if one parent is still alive, such as if they are missing or in prison.
Note: The two-child benefit cap, which limits Universal Credit payments to the first two children in a family, is under review. The government has indicated a strong intention to scrap this cap as part of efforts to reduce child poverty. (thesun.co.uk, thetimes.co.uk)
For the most current information and to check your eligibility for various benefits, visit the official UK government website: www.gov.uk.
