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Financial support for parents and carers

Financial support for parents and carers

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs and can be financially challenging too.

Whether you are expecting a baby or already have children, knowing exactly what money is coming in and going out each month is essential to help you figure out what you can afford.

When expecting a baby knowing how much everything costs will help you prepare for your new arrival and avoid any unexpected expenses. It's also important to find out what maternity or paternity rights you're entitled to.

See more information about paternity, adoption or surrogacy leave and finances on the Humber and North Yorkshire Maternity website.

Find out more here about what financial help is available to you. You'll also find information to support families with the cost of living here.

Find out more about:

Available benefits can include support with Free School Meals, help towards school uniform, council tax support, local housing allowance and housing benefit.

Find support available to you:

  • Best Start in Life (formerly Childcare Choices) lists the different financial support available to families from toddlers to teens, to help with the cost of childcare
  • Child Benefit is issued every 4 weeks. You could be eligible if you're responsible for bringing up a child aged under 16 or under 20 if in full time education
  • Healthy Start Scheme helps you to buy certain types of milk, infant formula, fruit and vegetables, if you're in receipt of certain benefits or if you're under 18 years old
  • Holiday Activities with Food is available to families in receipt of free school meals. Activities are free and are available during the Christmas, Easter and school summer holidays
  • Household Support Fund  - there are 2 routes to apply for the Household Support Fund:
    • families who have dependent children and entitled to benefits based free school meals will have received a letter in November inviting them to apply. Those who have received a letter inviting them to apply for Household Support Fund need to complete their application by Thursday 5 January
    • anyone not receiving this letter who is struggling can apply through the discretionary scheme
  • NHS exemptions allows you to check if you’re eligible for free prescriptions or dental check-ups and treatment
  • Sure Start Maternity Grant is for families who qualify, is a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child

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The rise in cost of living is on everyone's mind. There are 3 key steps to make sure you are in the best place to meet the extra costs this winter:

  1. make sure you are getting all the financial support available
  2. use one of the free benefit checkers
  3. check the council’s website for local support schemes and the Household Support Fund

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Don’t spend more than you have to on your bills, such as mobile phones, broadband, insurance. York Talk Money provides cost of Living support.

See how you can save on your energy bills:

  • use approved comparison websites
  • talk to your existing suppliers about discounts and social tariffs

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If you're unsure or need assistance with the things above, there is help across the city from council services and other local organisations.

Find out how to contact the Benefits Advice Service and where there are community drop-ins across the city.

You can pick up a leaflet, ask at your local library, community centre or find information on community notice boards.

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Opportunity and Employment Brokers

Employment Opportunity Brokers: We can offer something different to help York’s unemployed families and those with SEND:

  • Adopt a dual approach: a) empowering individuals and b) connecting them with employment, training, and volunteering opportunities.
  • Work at the person’s own pace, with no obligation to continue or achieve “hard” outcomes.
  • Everyone deserves an opportunity, and Opportunity Brokers are the ones that can make it happen!

How we work with people:

  • At the time, place, and pace they are comfortable with. Relaxed and friendly support that is specific to you and your needs.
  • We take the time to understand any specific barriers to you and ensure you receive personal, individual support.
  • The support will last as long as needed or until we have done everything we can to support you.

Referral criteria:

  • Un-employed young people over 18
  • Families facing barriers to gaining employment
  • People with health conditions or disabilities requiring reasonable adjustments
  • People with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with or without an educational health care plan (EHCP)
  • Care leavers
  • Over 50s

If you wish to ask further questions or discuss referring someone to the service, please do not hesitate to make contact.

Contacts:

This project is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions' Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.

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York Learning

Careers Advice Service for unemployed and employed people looking for a new role. We can help with:

  • Identifying your transferable skills
  • Building your confidence
  • Finding courses and training information
  • Gathering information about local jobs
  • Setting and achieving goals
  • Signposting you to further support

What we offer:

  • 1–1 career and learning advice sessions – offering personalised support to help you with your next steps, explore opportunities, tackle barriers, and achieve your career goals.
  • Careers Clinic – unlock your potential with our monthly small group sessions
  • Interview clinic
  • CV Clinics
  • Match your skills to the job

We also offer a wide range of learning opportunities to support with English, Maths, computing, accounting, and more, plus a host of other activities whether that’s learning a new language, sewing skills, art, and more.

Contact us at:

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