Raising a family, caring for someone or living with a disability brings extra costs, and there’s a wide range of support designed to help with them. Much of it isn’t means-tested, so it’s worth checking even if you’re working or have savings.
For families and children
Child Benefit is paid to most people responsible for a child (a tax charge applies at higher incomes, but it’s still usually worth claiming to protect your National Insurance record). Help with childcare costs can come through Tax-Free Childcare, government-funded childcare hours, and the childcare element of Universal Credit. Lower-income families expecting a baby or with young children may qualify for Healthy Start, which gives a prepaid card for milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins.
For disabled people and carers
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps adults with the extra costs of a long-term condition or disability; for children it’s Disability Living Allowance. If you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. And if you’re in work, Access to Work can fund practical support and equipment to help you stay in your job.
Adapting your home
If a disability means your home needs changes — a ramp, a downstairs bathroom, a stairlift — a Disabled Facilities Grant from your council can pay towards the work, up to £30,000 in England. Your council arranges an assessment of what’s needed.
What to do next
Run a free benefits calculator to see the full picture (see benefits and entitlements), and explore home-adaptation and other help on our Grants and funding hub. Charities like Turn2us and Scope also offer tailored advice.
Sources
GOV.UK (Child Benefit, PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, Tax-Free Childcare,
Healthy Start, Disabled Facilities Grants, Access to Work); Citizens Advice.
Reviewed: 3 September 2026.