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There are several different forms of financial support families may be able to access.
Child benefit is a tax-free payment that you can claim for your child.
It is usually paid every four weeks but can sometimes be paid weekly if you receive:
There are separate rates payable for each child.
If you're responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for child tax credit.
If you work, but earn lower wages, you may qualify for working tax credit.
For more information visit the GOV.UK website.
You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child, known as a sure start maternity grant.
You usually qualify for the grant if:
You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of expecting the baby or within three months after the birth.
Visit GOV.UK for application forms and more information.
The Healthy Start scheme helps those who are pregnant or have responsibility for at least one child under 4 years old who are on a qualifying benefit and a low income.
They may also be eligible if:
Beneficiary of Healthy Start receive:
The prepaid card can be used in any shop that sells eligible healthy start food and milk and displaces the MasterCard acceptance mark.
Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
There are many changes to benefits and taxes happening now and over the next few years.
These are often referred to as the welfare reform. Changes will affect some of Warrington’s residents to some degree, but will mainly affect those people who are not working.
You can find more information in our financial support for families document: