Find support to help you with everyday costs, such as buying a school uniform for your child
If you are a single mum bringing up a child, there may be benefits, grants or other financial support available to you.
Hopefully there are some resources here to point you in the right direction.
** If you are struggling with debt, get free support right away by clicking here.
Benefits
Turn2us is one of the best websites to find out what benefits you may be entitled to. Some benefits include:
Child Benefit – if you are responsible for bringing up a child aged under 16 or a young person aged under 20 if they are still in full-time education up to A level or equivalent, or on certain approved training courses.
Universal Credit – if you are aged between 16 and pension age and on a low income or aren’t working. It includes amounts for children. For new claimants, Universal Credit replaces the help that used to be given through Child Tax Credits. If you are a lone parent, see our Single Parents: Claimant Commitment under Universal Credit.
Child Tax Credit – if you are 16 or over and responsible for bringing up a child aged under 16 or a young person aged under 20 if they are still in full-time education up to A level or equivalent, or on certain approved training courses. Child Tax Credit is gradually being replaced by Universal Credit. Our guide on Child Tax Credit has information on who can still get it.
Guardian’s Allowance – if you are bringing up a child whose parents have died or one has died and the other is unable to look after them in certain circumstances. You have to also be getting Child Benefit for the child.
Grants
Lawrence Atwell’s Charity
Grants are available for young people from low-income backgrounds, to help them gain vocational, accredited qualifications. The charity does not give grants for secondary education, university or postgraduate degrees or courses at a private dance/drama college.
We offer grants from £100 to £1,500 for people aged 16 to 26, to take courses (up to level 3) that will help them move into employment. Funding can be given for course fees, equipment/materials, travel costs, and childcare. We also don’t give grants for general welfare purposes.
The Prince’s Trust
The Prince’s Trust gives grants to young people aged 16-30 who have experienced difficulties at school, have been in trouble with the law, are long-term unemployed or have been in care. The charity runs a number of programmes to help these young people. It also provides grants to young people who are on one of these programmes.
B&CE’s Charitable Trust
Grants for workers in the construction industry and their families to help alleviate individual financial strain and hardship.
Please note that applicants must be in receipt of all benefits that they are entitled to before applying for a grant.
The Vegetarian Charity
Vegetarians and vegans aged below 26 who need financial assistance, such as help with educational courses or essential items.
Elizabeth Finn Fund
The Elizabeth Finn Fund (EFF) provides one-off and recurring grants for people who have British nationality or live in the UK for at least half the year and have a professional or similar background or connection, and their dependants.
Financial Support
Whether its budgeting advice, debt help, help with lenders demands or you just need someone to discuss your finances with, you can get support right away by clicking here.
