MEETING THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES

NATIONAL GOVERNMENTThe National Government provides some Benefits for families on low incomes or single parent families.

Child Benefit

Until very recently this was a universal benefit i.e. it was paid to all families with children and was not affected by savings or income.However in October last year the Government announced changes to CHB that will no longer make it universal.

From January 2013, families where one parent is a higher rate taxpayer will no longer qualify for child benefit, regardless of the household's overall income. At the moment you pay the higher rate of tax if you earn £44,000 or more.

This means that a single parent who earns £44,000 will no longer qualify for ChB, however a family where two parents each earn £43,000 (total of £86,000) will qualify for ChB. This has been criticised as being unfair.

• Child benefit is paid at a higher rate for the oldest child and at one rate for all other children.

• Weekly rate from 6 April 2010:Child benefit for oldest child = £20.30Child benefit for other children = £13.40

TAX CREDITS

• Child tax credit and working tax credit are paid to families to ensure that they are better off working than being in receipt of benefits.

• It is effectively a reduction in the amount of tax you pay but is given in the form of a rebate each month.

Social Fund

• An interest free loan for an emergency situation e.g. cooker/washing machine breaks down.

• Some people say it is too difficult for people on low incomes to pay these loans back.

Income Support

It is available to people who are:

• 60 or over• Lone parents• Too sick or disabled to work• Looking after a disabled person

Income Support

• Amount given is to the meet the person’s basic needs.

• Will also depend on how many children you have.

• Also entitled to free dental treatment, free NHS tests and vouchers to help with cost of glasses, free school meals, free prescriptions, free milk for children under 5 and free NHS wigs.

Local GovernmentLocal Councils help to meet the needs offamilies by providing:

• Housing/Council Tax Benefit• Free school meals for children from

families on low incomes• A clothing grant to help pay for the cost of

school uniforms.• Childcare and after school care are

sometimes provided by local councils at low cost to families on a low income.

OTHER GROUPS WHO MEET THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES

1. Private companies – Childminders, private nurseries.

2. Voluntary organisations – Citizens Advice Bureau, Child Poverty Action Group.

3. Family help – Grandparents or other family members can provide childcare.