The government website offers information about financial help if you have children. This includes help when having a baby or adopting, child benefit and tax credits, and support for childcare.
Money matters - 5-11 years
When a child starts school, it can be an expensive time. Costs include school uniform, stationary and other expenses.
Talk to your child's school if you are struggling to pay for the uniform. Schools must follow legal guidance on the cost of school uniforms, which includes making sure they're affordable. The cost should never be a barrier to families and pupils applying for and attending school.
The MoneySavingExpert website has some helpful hints and tips on how to save money on the cost of school uniforms.
Your child may also be eligible for free school meals if you are on certain benefits.
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they can access the holiday, activities and food programme (HAF) during the school holidays.
Home to school transport
Your child might be eligible for home to school transport if they meet certain criteria.
Childcare
You may be able to get help with the cost of before- and after-school childcare via tax-free childcare.
You can get up to £500 every three months for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every three months if a child is disabled.
Children with SEND
There is a wealth of resources available if you need financial support as a parent or carer of a SEND child.
Our SEND Hub features detailed information about what financial help might be available to you.
Other help
If you are struggling with money, please see our cost of living advice webpage.
Other organisations that can offer help include:
- North Somerset Citizens Advice service
- National Debtline is a telephone helpline for people with debt problems: telephone 0808 808 4000. Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm
- MoneyHelper: government help if you can't pay your mortgage.
- if you're struggling to meet your mortgage repayments, the government could be able to help. You might be able to sign up for the Mortgage Rescue scheme, Support for Mortgage Interest or other government benefits that might boost your income
- all energy firms will have schemes to help people who are struggling to pay their bills. Contact your local provider as soon as possible
- Wessex Water offers help to people who are struggling to pay their water bill
- StepChange is a national charity that can provide advice and support. They are a non-profit service and their advice is free to help you get your finances back on track: telephone 0800 138 1111, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm
- Debt Advice is a charity offering free confidential advice on any aspect of debt: telephone 0800 043 4050
- PayPlan offers phone and webchat services: telephone 0800 280 2816, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm
- Turn2us: you can work out what benefits you are entitled to