Child Benefit is paid to those responsible for bringing up a child under the age of 16, or under 20 if the child remains in approved education or training.

Maternity Allowance is a weekly amount for expectant and new mothers that do not qualify to receive Statutory Maternity Pay.

Maternity Grants are one-off, tax-free payments to help new parents on a low income buy maternity and baby items.

Tax Credits are means-tested benefits for workers or families on a low income. They are administered and paid by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Parents with children under 12 and working more than 16 hours per week can open an account to access Tax-Free Childcare from HMRC.

Since 6 April 2017 families are generally only able to claim support through Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit or Income Support for a maximum of two children.

Universal Credit is a payment for people over 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work.

You may be able to claim Statutory Maternity Pay from your employer before and after the birth of your baby.

The Healthy Start Scheme provides help for eligible families and those who are pregnant to buy healthy food and milk in local shops.