Juggling home and school life is tough for every parent . If you can ’ t find the support you ’ re looking for on this page , head to our resources on page 30 Check what financial support you ’ re entitled to

These are some of the benefits parents are able to apply for :

Child Benefit – For parents responsible for a child under 16 ( or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training )

Universal Credit – For families on a low income needing extra support to meet their basic living costs

Carer ’ s Allowance – For parents spending at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person who is on certain disability benefits and does not work , or works but earns less than £ 139 a week

Council Tax Reduction – Families on a low income may be entitled to a discount off their council tax bill

Pension Credit – For families on low income , but only if they are over State Pension age

New-Style Jobseeker ’ s Allowance – For parents who have worked and paid sufficient National Insurance contributions in the last two to three years and are unemployed and looking for work , or working 16 hours a week or less and looking for additional work

New-Style Employment and Support Allowance – For parents who have worked and paid sufficient National Insurance contributions in the last two to three years and are unable to work due to ill health or disability

Still not sure if you can claim ?

The easiest way to check which benefits you ’ re entitled to is by using the online benefits calculator : gov . uk / benefits-calculators

Transport

Your child can get free transport to and from school if :

• The school is more than two miles from home

• There ’ s no safe walking route between home and school

• They have special educational needs , disabilities or a mobility problem

They may also qualify if you have low family income . Check with your local council ’ s website to see if you ’ re eligible .

Wraparound care

Wraparound care is before and after-school childcare , such as breakfast clubs and after-school provision , which runs until 6pm or later . This may be provided through the school itself or a private company . There is often a waiting list , so make sure to book well in advance if you ’ re going to need it . Some schools run separate breakfast clubs where children can get a hot meal to start the day , sometimes for free . 12 PARENTKIND . ORG BE SCHOOL READY 2024