If you're receiving qualifying benefits and pregnant or have a child under four years old, you can  get Healthy Start vouchers from the NHS  to help buy basic foods. 

Find out what benefits you can get 

Check what you’re entitled to using the benefits and financial support checker. 

Find out what benefits you can get if you're a parent or carer, or planning to have or adopt a child. 

Get help with childcare costs 

The government’s Childcare Choices website  will tell you what support you can get and how to apply. Support includes: 

• Tax-free childcare (up to £2,000 a year per child) 
• 15 hours free childcare if you have a two-year-old child and you’re on certain benefits 
• 15 hours free childcare if you have three or four-year-old children 
• 30 hours free childcare for working families with three or four-year-old children  

You may be also able to  claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs  if you’re eligible for Universal Credit. 

Support from education and early years settings

Schools, colleges and early years settings have been awarded funding that they can use to provide support to families they recognise as being in need.

It is not means-tested, and settings have discretion over the type of support that might be offered. This might include, for example: supermarket vouchers, warm clothing, white goods, blankets.

Find out more on the Connect 4 Communities website.