Benefits for Families Guide UK (Child Benefit, Tax Credits, Help 2026)

Child Benefit (Eligibility, Rates, High Income Child Benefit Charge)

Child Benefit is a tax-free payment for anyone bringing up a child under 16 (or under 20 if they are in approved education or training). The rates for 2026/27 are: £25.60 per week for the eldest or only child, and £16.95 per week for each additional child. There is no limit on the number of children you can claim for. You do not need to have paid NI contributions to qualify, and it is not means-tested. However, if you or your partner has an income over £50,000, you must pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) — this is a tax charge that claws back 1% of Child Benefit for every £100 of income over £50,000, so the benefit is fully withdrawn at £60,000. From 2024, the charge became based on household income (not individual), meaning couples with a combined income over £50,000 may now be affected even if neither earns above that alone. You can opt out of receiving Child Benefit to avoid the charge, but it is still recommended to claim (but not take the payment) to protect your NI credits towards the State Pension. Child Benefit provides a National Insurance credit for the parent who claims it (usually the main carer) until the child turns 12. These credits count as qualifying years for the State Pension. See our State Pension guide for more on NI credits.

Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit)

Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit are means-tested benefits administered by HMRC. They are being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit through the managed migration process, but existing claimants can still receive them in 2026. Child Tax Credit provides financial support for families with children — the amount depends on your income, number of children, and whether any children have disabilities. The family element is £545 per year, and the child element is £3,935 per year per child (2026/27 rates). Working Tax Credit tops up the income of low-paid workers — you may qualify if you are over 16, work a certain number of hours per week, and have low income. Extra elements are available for couples, lone parents, people with disabilities, and those paying for childcare. Tax credits are gradually reduced as your income rises (the taper rate is 41% for every £1 above the threshold). If you receive Tax Credits, you will eventually receive a Migration Notice to move to Universal Credit. See our Universal Credit guide for details of managed migration and transitional protection. Claim or manage your Tax Credits online via GOV.UK or call the Tax Credit Helpline.

Healthcare Costs (NHS Prescriptions, Healthy Start, Free School Meals)

Families on low incomes can get help with healthcare costs. NHS prescriptions are free for children under 16 (under 19 if in full-time education), pregnant women, new mothers (12 months post-childbirth), and people on certain benefits or on a low income via the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3). Healthy Start is a means-tested scheme that provides prepaid debit cards to spend on milk, plain fresh/frozen fruit and vegetables, infant formula, and vitamins. You qualify if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, and you receive certain benefits (Universal Credit with household income under £408/month, Child Tax Credit with income under £16,190, or Income Support/ESA/JSA). The card is topped up with: £4.25 per week (from 10 weeks pregnant to birth), £8.50 per week (children from birth to 1), and £4.25 per week (children aged 1 to 4). Free school meals are available to children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 (infant free school meals — universal in England), and to older children whose families receive qualifying benefits. In Scotland, all primary school children receive free school meals. Check you are claiming all the help you are entitled to — many eligible families miss out on Healthy Start and free school meals.

Childcare Support (Tax-Free Childcare, 30 Hours, Universal Credit Childcare)

UK families can access several forms of childcare support. Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) is a government scheme where you open an online childcare account and for every £8 you pay in, the government adds £2 — up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for disabled children). You can use it for Ofsted-registered childcare, nurseries, childminders, after-school clubs, and holiday clubs. Both parents must be working (each earning at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours/week, and under £100,000 per year). 30 hours free childcare is available for working parents of children aged 3 to 4 in England — you get 1,140 hours of free childcare per year (typically 30 hours/week during term time). From September 2025, this has been extended to children from 9 months old (rolling rollout: 15 hours for 9-month to 2-year-olds from September 2024, and 30 hours from September 2025). Universal Credit childcare element covers up to 85% of registered childcare costs (capped at £1,015/month for one child or £1,739/month for two or more children). You must be in work (or have a confirmed job offer) to claim. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own early learning and childcare offers — check your devolved government's website for details. See our Universal Credit guide for details on claiming childcare costs through UC.

• Tax-Free Childcare: govt adds £2 per £8 saved, up to £2,000/year per child
• 30 hours free: for 3-to-4-year-olds (expanding from 9 months from 2025)
• UC childcare: 85% of costs up to £1,015 or £1,739 per month
• Scotland/Wales/NI: separate early learning offers available

Sure Start Maternity Grant

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby (or babies for multiple births). It is available to families on certain means-tested benefits: Universal Credit (with household income under £408/month in the assessment period), Income Support, Income-based JSA, Income-related ESA, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit (with a disability element), or Child Tax Credit (with income under £16,190). You must apply within 11 weeks before the baby is due and up to 3 months after the birth. If you are having twins, you receive £500 for each baby. The grant does not need to be repaid and does not count as income for benefit purposes. It is typically paid within 7 days of a successful application. To apply, ask your midwife, health visitor, or doctor for form SF100 (Sure Start Maternity Grant) or download it from gov.uk. You must supply a maternity certificate (MAT B1) and proof of your benefit entitlement. This grant is separate from the NHS Maternity Exemption certificate, which gives free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment while pregnant and for 12 months after birth.

Other Family Support (Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction)

Families on low incomes may also qualify for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit for most claimants (it still exists for people of State Pension age and those in specified or temporary accommodation). See our Housing Benefit guide for details. Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is a means-tested discount on your Council Tax bill, administered by your local council. If you are on a low income, you could receive up to 100% off your Council Tax. Working-age families on Universal Credit may be eligible for CTR even if they receive no other means-tested support. You apply through your local council's website. Other family-friendly support includes: Maternity Allowance (up to £184.03 per week for 39 weeks for employees who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay), Statutory Paternity Pay (up to £184.03 per week for 1–2 weeks), Shared Parental Leave and Pay, and Free early education for 2-year-olds (15 hours per week for disadvantaged families). The Household Support Fund (which provides crisis support via local councils) may also help with food, energy, and water bills — check your local council's website for availability. Our Universal Credit guide explains how UC interacts with Housing Benefit and other support.

FAQs

Can I claim Child Benefit if I earn over £50,000?

Yes — but you will need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. It is still worth claiming (but opting out of payments) to protect your State Pension NI credits and to ensure your child gets their National Insurance number automatically at 16.

What is the difference between Tax Credits and Universal Credit?

Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit) are older benefits being replaced by Universal Credit. If you have a Migration Notice, you must move to UC. UC includes a child element and childcare costs but works differently — it is paid monthly and assessed in real time.

How do I apply for Tax-Free Childcare?

Open a Tax-Free Childcare account online via GOV.UK. You need your child's details, your earnings information, and your National Insurance number. The government adds 20% to every £80 you deposit (up to the £2,000 annual limit per child).

Who qualifies for free school meals?

All infant school children (Reception, Year 1, Year 2) in England receive universal free school meals. Older children qualify if their family receives Universal Credit (with net income under £7,400/year after tax), Income Support, JSA, ESA, or Child Tax Credit (with income under £16,190).

Can I get help with childcare costs while on Universal Credit?

Yes — Universal Credit can pay back up to 85% of registered childcare costs, up to monthly caps of £1,015 for one child or £1,739 for two or more. You must be in work (or have a confirmed job offer) and report your childcare costs each month.