Benefits and entitlements for families

There is a wide range of financial help for families. Some is available to all, some in special circumstances, and some only if your income is low.

From pregnancy through to your child reaching age 20, there is state help available to help with the cost of raising a family. Make sure you claim everything you are entitled to.

See the tables later on in this section for a quick guide to state help for families. You’ll find details of some of the key benefits in these other sections:

• Planning ahead for a new family
• State help if you or your child has a disability
• Tax credits: extra money for families
• Paying for childcare

Most benefits and entitlements are not paid automatically and can be backdated only for a short period. Make sure you claim. See the ‘More information’ column in the Quick guide to the main benefits and entitlements table for contact details.

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