Funding for Families with Children

Family Information Service

Telephone 01628 685632
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Online Contact Form

Please note that most of the links below are to
external websites - please see our disclaimer.

• The Parents Guide to Money is produced by the Financial Services Association. This information file is designed to help new and expectant parents manage their money at a time when their financial situation is changing. This is gifted by your midwife.
• All three and four year olds in England are entitled to 12.5 hours of Free Early Learning per week in nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools or at the childminders for 38 weeks of the year. This will rise to 15 hours a week from 2010, delivered flexibly over a minimum of three days. Call the FIS if you have any queries regarding this on 01628 685632.
• Working Tax Credit is a payment to top up the earnings of low paid working people (whether employed or self-employed). You don't need to have children to qualify. Working Tax Credit helps to make work pay for low income workers.
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a means-tested allowance for parents and carers of children or young people who are still in full-time non advanced education or approved training. You don't have to be the child's parent to be eligible but you must be the main person responsible for them.
• You may be entitled to free milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, infant formula and vitamins under the Healthy Start scheme, follow the link to see if you are entitled to claim.
• If you can't be available for full-time work and don't have enough money to live on, you may be able to get Income Support Benefit. Whether you qualify or not and how much you get depends on your circumstances.
• If you need help and advice on job hunting, preparing for interviews or writing your CV, see the CV page on Job Centre Plus. The FIS can help you with Childcare if you are returning to work.
• Lone Parent - if you're a lone parent, this website offers you information about the practical support available to you. It includes information on financial help, childcare, training and finding a job. It will also help you choose what's right for you and your children, both now and in the future. Being a lone parent can affect many areas of your life. Whatever your situation, you may feel you need some practical support and advice. Did you know that at Jobcentre Plus, they have a range of services especially designed for lone parents? There are also specialist organisations that can help.
• With an Advantage Card, you can get fantastic discounts at a range of attractions, retailers and restaurants, on Council services or leisure activities including Windsor Castle (free entry with Yellow Advantage Card), Legoland, Savill Garden, Borough Leisure Centres and car parks, restaurants, shops, on services and health and beauty - over 120 offers in total!
• The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to young people who stay on in further education after they reach statutory leaving age. Entitlement is based on household income.
• Childcare Vouchers - these are a way of paying for certain types of childcare. If your employer provides you with child care vouchers you will not have to pay tax or National Insurance contributions on the first £55 per week, or £243 per month.

If you can't find what you are looking for, please don't hesitate to call the Family Information Service. Our office is overflowing with really useful information and advice and if we don't know the answer we know someone who will! Telephone: 01628 685632 or email fis@rbwm.gov.uk

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