Financial Help for Families: what you need to know, 5th ed

Many families who struggle to make ends meet do not claim all the financial support they are entitled to.

This book covers all the main social security benefits available throughout the UK, as well as different payments only available in Scotland. It also highlights other important financial support including child maintenance and help with school costs, such as free school meals.

You don’t have to be a benefits expert to use this book – there are plenty of clear examples to help explain benefit rules, tactics on what to do if benefit has been reduced or if payments are delayed, and a useful glossary of terms.

Who’s this book for?

Anyone working with families can use this guide to help maximise their income or deal with a benefit problem.

What’s inside?

• What support can you get when having a baby?
• Can you get free or subsidised childcare?
• What help is there for a disabled family member?
• What benefits can you get when working on a low income?
• What help is there if you have left domestic abuse?
• How are benefits affected when a child goes into care?

This book has all the benefit updates for 2025/26, including benefits available only in Scotland. We've updated the ‘What families say’ quotes using real-life experiences from CPAG’s Early Warning System and Changing Realities.