Support for families with children

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:

• is under 16
• has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability

Read more to see eligibility and how much you may be entitled to. 

School transport

• Help with home to school transport
• Free school transport
• Apply for school transport for a child with special educational needs and disabilities

Apply for free school meals 

In all parts of the UK, children in year 3 and above may qualify for free school meals if you are in receipt of one of a qualifying benefit. Read more about your eligibility here. 

Care to Learn

The Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study.

You must be aged under 20 at the start of your course.

Read more about eligibility and what you might be entitled to.

Childcare Grant

You may be eligible for help with your childcare costs if you:

• are a full-time higher education student
• have children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs

Read more about eligibility and what you might be entitled to.

Parents' Learning Allowance

You may be eligible for help with your learning costs if you’re a full-time student with children.

Read more about eligibility and what you might be entitled to.

Understanding parental leave and pay

• Maternity pay and leave
• Paternity pay and leave
• Shared Parental Leave and Pay
• Check if you can get Maternity or Paternity Leave or Pay, or Maternity Allowance
• Plan your Shared Parental Leave and Pay

Sure Start Maternity

You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child.