Fri Sep 10 2010

Money Management

Parents' Guide to Money 

Whether you work with families or are starting your own, you will know that staying in control of your finances can be a challenge. On this site you’ll find lots of information, resources and calculators to help you plan, budget and save.

www.parentsguidetomoney.co.uk

Financial Services Authority - Telephone: 0300 500 5000

Child Benefit

You may be able to get child benefit if any of the following apply:

  • Your child is under 16
  • Your child is over 16 and in education or training that qualifies for child benefit
  • Your child is 16 or 17, has left education or training that qualifies for child benefit and is registered for work or training with an approved body

For more information please telephone:

0845 302 1444

Web Address: www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit

Child Tax Credit

Child Tax Credits are payments from the government. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit.

Working Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit is available to people who are employed or self-employed and working for 16 hours a week or more.  You cannot claim working tax credit if you are not working.

For more information on both please telephone:

0845 300 3900 (Open 8am-8pm 7 days a week) For customers who are deaf or speech impaired, please call 0845 300 3909

Web Address: www.hmrc.gov.uk/tax credits

Postal Address: Tax Credit Office, Preston, PR1 0SB

Free Early Education places for 3 and 4 year olds

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to free part-time education from the term after their 3rd birthday until the term in which they turn 5.  From September 2010 all 3 and 4 year olds will receive 15 hours per week.

For more information please telephone:

Bedford Borough Council, Early Years Team - 01234 228095 

Free Early Education and Childcare for 2 year olds

Some 2 year olds may be entitled to up to 10 hours per week of free early education and childcare if their family is in receipt of certain income-based benefits.

For more information please telephone:

Bedford Borough Family Information Service - 0800 023 2057

School Meals

Parents who are in receipt of certain benefits may be entitled to free school meals for their children.

For more information please telephone:

Free School Meal Administrator - 01234 228948 - www.bedford.gov.uk

Healthy Start

You may qualify for free milk, infant formula, vitamins, fruit and vegetables if you are pregnant and/or have at least one child under four years old, and your family are in receipt of certain benefits, or if you are pregnant and under 18 years old.  To claim complete an application form and get your midwife, doctor or health visitor to sign it.

For more information please telephone:

Healthy Start - 0845 607 6823 - www.healthystart.nhs.uk

School Uniform Grants

Parents who are in receipt of certain benefits may be entitled to help towards school uniform costs.

For more informations please telephone:

Education Welfare Service - 01234 228305 - www.bedford.gov.uk

Support For Student Parents

CARE TO LEARN

Care to Learn aims to give financial support to teenage parents who want to continue their education or training and need help with the cost of their childcare.  Available to young parents under 19 years of age.

For more information please telephone:

Learner Support Helpline - 0800 121 8989 - www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning

Childcare Grant

The Childcare Grant is available for students in higher education with dependent children.  How much help you get will depend on your income and that of your partner.  To qualify you must be using registered childcare and neither of you should be receiving the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit.

For more information please telephone:

Student Finance England - 0845 300 5090 - www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

NHS Childcare Allowance

If you are a parent and studying on an NHS funded professional training course, you might be able to claim up to 85% of your childcare fees.  The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances.

For more information please telephone:

NHS Student Childcare Allowance - 0845 350 6655

Support if you or your child has a disability or additional need

Disability Living Allowance

A benefit for children and adults who need care because of a disability.  It is aimed at people aged from 3 months-64 years.

For more information please telephone:

Disability Benefits Helpline - 0845 7123 456 - www.direct.gov.uk

Motability Scheme

This is a Government-backed scheme, which can provide a car, motorised wheelchair or scooter if you or your child receive the highest mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.

For more information please telephone:

Motability Operations - 0845 456 4566 - www.motability.co.uk

Carer's Allowance

If you are spending at least 35 hours per week caring for a child who gets the middle or higher rate care component of the Disability Living Allowance, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.

For more information please telephone:

Disability Benefits Helpline - 0845 7123456 - www.direct.gov.uk

Blue Badge

Free parking scheme for disabled drivers or people (such as a parent) providing transport for a disabled person.

For more information please telephone:

Car Badges, Bedford Borough Council - 01234 718009