Financial Help for Single Parents in the UK (2025)
Raising a child on your own comes with extra financial pressure. The good news is that there are several schemes, benefits, and grants designed for single parents. This guide explains the main sources of help in 2025, who can claim, how to apply, and easy wins that can increase your monthly budget.
- Claim Child Benefit as soon as your child is born
- Check Universal Credit entitlement, including the childcare element
- Arrange Child Maintenance with the other parent or use the CMS
- Apply for free childcare hours and consider Tax-Free Childcare
- Ask your council about Council Tax Reduction and local welfare help
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit paid monthly. It can top up low wages or support you while you look for work. For single parents it can include help with:
- Basic living costs
- Rent through the Housing Element
- Childcare costs up to 85 percent reimbursed, paid in arrears
You apply online through the official Universal Credit site. Have ID, tenancy details, childcare invoices, and recent payslips to hand. If you are working, Universal Credit usually tapers gradually as your income rises rather than stopping all at once.
Child Benefit
Most parents can claim Child Benefit. Weekly rates in 2025 are:
- £25.60 for your first child
- £16.95 for each additional child
It is paid every four weeks. If you or a partner has income over £50,000, the High Income Child Benefit Charge may apply. Even if you choose not to receive payment because of this charge, still submit the claim so you protect your National Insurance credits and do not miss out on State Pension years.
Child Maintenance
If the other parent does not live with you, they are legally required to contribute. You can:
- Make a family-based arrangement privately
- Use the Child Maintenance Service to calculate and collect payments
Private arrangements avoid CMS fees and can be flexible. If payments are missed or irregular, the CMS can enforce and collect directly from wages.
Free Childcare and Childcare Support
Childcare support is a major help for single parents who work or study. Depending on age and circumstances you may qualify for the following:
| Support | Who it helps | What you get | How to claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free hours for 3 to 4 year olds | Most working parents | 15 to 30 hours per week during term time | Apply via your council or childcare provider |
| Free hours for 2 year olds | Eligible low-income families and phased working parents expansion | 15 hours per week | Check local authority eligibility and apply online |
| Universal Credit childcare | Parents on UC who work | Up to 85 percent of eligible costs reimbursed | Report costs in your UC journal with receipts |
| Tax-Free Childcare | Working parents meeting earnings tests | 20 percent top up on childcare spend via online account | Apply on GOV.UK, pay providers from your account |
Free hours are usually term time only. Many nurseries allow you to stretch hours across the year. Always compare whether Universal Credit childcare or Tax-Free Childcare gives you the better result, since you cannot use both for the same costs.
Cost of Living Support
Some households on means-tested benefits may receive additional cost of living support. These payments are normally made automatically if you qualify. Keep your Universal Credit and Tax Credits details up to date to avoid missing eligibility windows.
Grants and One-Off Support
Alongside benefits there are non-repayable grants and local help schemes:
- Sure Start Maternity Grant for first-time parents on a low income
- Local Welfare Assistance from your council for emergencies such as food, essential furniture, or white goods
- Charity grants from Turn2us or Family Action that can help with uniforms, school trips, and essentials
Search for targeted support if you work in a specific sector. Many professions have benevolent funds that can help during hardship.
Council Tax Reduction and Single Person Discount
If you are the only adult in the property you should receive a 25 percent Single Person Discount automatically once you tell your council. If your income is low, apply for your local Council Tax Reduction Scheme on top, which can reduce the bill further.
Budgeting Advances and Affordable Credit
If you are on Universal Credit you may be able to apply for a Budgeting Advance to cover essentials such as a cooker or travel for a new job. Repayments are taken from your Universal Credit over time. Alternatives include local credit unions which offer lower-cost loans compared to commercial lenders.
Practical Steps to Claim More Help
- Run a benefits check. Use a free calculator to estimate Universal Credit, childcare support, and other entitlements.
- Claim Child Benefit even if you expect the high income charge later. It protects National Insurance credits.
- Sort childcare paperwork. Keep invoices, contracts, and proof of payment ready for Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare.
- Set up Child Maintenance. Try a private agreement first. If it fails, use CMS for enforcement.
- Contact your council about Council Tax Reduction and any local welfare schemes.
Example: What a Single Parent Could Gain
Amira works 24 hours per week on a modest income with a 3 year old. After claiming Child Benefit, getting help with rent through Universal Credit, arranging Child Maintenance, and using 30 free hours, her monthly budget improves by several hundred pounds compared to relying on wages alone. The exact amount varies by rent, childcare costs, and earnings, but the combination of support can be significant.
Where to Get Help and Advice
For personalised support, contact:
- Gingerbread for single parent advice
- Citizens Advice for benefits checks and legal guidance
You can also browse our related guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim Universal Credit as a single parent if I work part time?
Yes. Universal Credit is means tested and tapers as your income rises. Many single parents working part time still receive a top up and help with childcare costs if they meet the rules.
Do maintenance payments affect Universal Credit?
Child maintenance that you receive from the other parent is ignored for Universal Credit. It should not reduce your award.
Can I get both Universal Credit childcare and Tax-Free Childcare?
You cannot claim both for the same childcare costs. Compare which option gives you the higher support, then stick to that route for those bills.
What if the other parent refuses to pay?
Apply to the Child Maintenance Service. They can collect directly from wages or bank accounts if needed, and can enforce missed payments.
How soon should I claim Child Benefit?
As soon as possible after the birth or when the child comes to live with you. Claims can be backdated for a limited period, but applying early protects National Insurance credits straight away.
Can I get help with school costs?
Check free school meals, school uniform grants where available, and look at charity grants through Turn2us or Family Action. Your council website lists local schemes.
Summary
Being a single parent is challenging, but there is real support available. Start with Child Benefit and Universal Credit, add childcare help and Council Tax reductions, and arrange maintenance if you can. Small steps add up, and putting the right claims in place can make a meaningful difference to your monthly budget.