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How to sort your finances for living independently

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How to sort your finances for living independently

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How to sort your finances for living independently - Money Ready

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💡 The leaving care grant is money given to you by the local authority when you leave care.

What Can the Grant Help Pay For?

🛏️ Bed and bedding
🛋️ Sofa or furniture
🍽️ Kitchen items and appliances
👕 Clothes
💻 Laptop or study equipment
📦 Moving costs
🏡 Basic household essentials

Chat to your PA for more information.

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Top tips for finances when starting a family

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Top tips for finances when starting a family

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Five top tips for your finances when starting a family

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Preparing your finances when starting a family right can feel daunting. Here are 5 practical tips to help you plan ahead.

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Your rights and information about shared, social or private housing

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Your rights and information about shared, social or private housing

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A Child Trust Fund is a long-term tax-free savings account for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011.

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Information for young people who are either in care thinking about leaving care, or who have recently left care.

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Coleg Gwent - Further Education College in South East Wales

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One of Wales' largest and top performing further and higher education colleges offering full time and part time courses, apprenticeships and employer training.

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Everyone deserves somewhere safe and stable to call home. Explore where you could live and find support to help you live independently.

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Council Tax Relief for Care Leavers up to the age of 25

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Barnardos have a whole range of resources to support you in the transition to leaving care including mental health support, employment, education and training as well as financial information.

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Are you a young person leaving care? Get support

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Leaving home can be a challenge for anyone, but it can be even tougher if you’re a young person leaving care. Find out how we can help.

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Voices from Care Cymru are a national charity which exists to improve the lives of care experienced young people in Wales. They run a whole host of programmes from preparation for independence, influencing and/ or forums.

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For further information on the Coronavirus and how to access support and advice please Click Here

Latest Blog

Happy New Year! Hope that the start to the year has been a good one you're all well and looking forward to this new decade. Time has flown by and...

About Us

Voices From Care Cymru brings young people together throughout Wales, who are, or have been looked after. We aim to provide opportunities, to improve the conditions of being in care, to promote the view of young people and to protect the interests of young people in care.

About Us

Membership

Any young person, who is or has been looked after in Wales, is welcome to become a member of Voices From Care Cymru. As a member you can be as actively involved as you like. We aim to make sure that young people are heard by the decision makers in Wales.

Membership

Influencing

Voices From Care Cymru aims to keep right up to date on the issues that face care experienced young people. We do this by undertaking our own research but also by feeding the views of our members into other organisations research and responding to consultations.

Influencing

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vfcc.org.uk - "Run by people who have been looked after - for all young people who are or have been looked after in Wales"

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For further information on the Coronavirus and how to access support and advice please Click Here Happy New Year! Hope that the start to the year has been a good one you're all well and looking forward to this new decade. Time has flown by and...

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Visit our website which has a whole host of resources on financial management and independent living.

We also run a range of workshops on Managing tenancy, Budgeting and CV writing.

For more information email gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

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The Getting Ready Project provides support for young people to safely transition from care. We aim to empower young people by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of their rights and entitlements when planning to leave care, and we do this through the provision and creation of online resources produced in partnership with care experienced young people. All our resources are bespoke and specific to each local authority, taking into consideration geographical differences and if this is a strategy you feel would support your area then please do get in touch with us.

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The National Youth Advocacy Service | NYAS

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Volunteer With NYAS

Volunteering for NYAS is incredibly rewarding. Our volunteers are integral to the NYAS mission, so if you're looking to make a difference in the lives of care experienced children and young people, explore our voluntary positions.

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The National Youth Advocacy Service | NYAS

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NYAS (The National Youth Advocacy Service) provides a range of services to support, safeguard and empower children, young people and adults in vulnerable situations.

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For young people and families who are aslyum seekers.

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Hello, thank you for visiting TGP Cymru's website.

To contact one of our services, please follow the ' What We Do ' tab above and select your preferred service. Contact details and/or online referral forms can be found this way.

Get in touch if you have any queries about our services or any questions about how we may be able to help.

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To contact one of our services, please follow the ' What We Do ' tab above and select your preferred service. Contact details and/or online referral forms can be found this way. Get in touch if you have any queries about our services or any questions about how we may be able to help.

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Project Unity: Support for Young Mums in Wales 

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Project Unity: Support for Young Mums in Wales 

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Project Unity supports pregnant women and young mums with care experience to engage with services, access practical and emotional support and learn new life skills. During this project, NYAS Cymru aims to keep families together, wherever possible.

The participants in Project Unity can also get involved in projects with other young women who have similar experiences. This project provides confidence building, access to resources and grants, housing support and budgeting guidance.

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Project Unity | Young Mother Support | NYAS

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Project Unity supports pregnant women and young mums with care experience to engage with services, access practical and emotional support and learn new life skills. During this project, NYAS Cymru aims to keep families together, wherever possible. The participants in Project Unity can also get involved in projects with other young women who have similar experiences.

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We offer a variety of training for young people 14-26 years old which includes

Budgeting on Universal Credit

CV Writing and Interview Skills

Managing Tenancy

These free courses are available either in-person or online.

To book a free course please contact us on gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

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We offer free training courses for professionals (either in-person or online) and includes topics such as:

Collaborative Conversations

Supporting young people with budgeting

Further education entitlements overview

Benefits and entitlements overview

To book this free course, please contact us on gettingready@childreninwales.org.uk

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Support for foster carers

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Find out the current numbers of fostered children and foster carers in Wales, as well as our latest recruitment targets, or read more about fostering legislation in Wales.

Fostering Communities

Fostering Wellbeing

Fostering Wellbeing is a Welsh Government funded programme based on the principles of social pedagogy. The programme aims to help all participants, irrespective of professional status, to identify the core values and principles which will help children and young people who are looked after to thrive. After a successful pilot in the Cwm Taf region, we are now rolling the programme out across WalesFostering Wellbeing will encourage professionals to work together and create a shared framework and language to improve wellbeing outcomes.

Click to find out more about our innovative and exciting programme.

For more information about Fostering Wellbeing please email the programme team:

gemma.struthers@fostering.net - Programme Manager

sarah.evans@fostering.net - Project Manager

joseph.bowers@fostering.net - Project Manager

angharad.rees@fostering.net - Project Manager

Training and Consultancy in Wales

Our training is designed to meet the identified needs of the team around the child, supporting children and young people who are looked after in Wales to achieve their best possible outcomes. We are constantly updating and adding to our portfolio of courses for foster carers, supervising social workers and professionals in the education and health sectors.

All of our training can be delivered in house for your agency and jointly or regionally commissioned, while our most popular subjects are included in our annual open course programme.

Our highly skilled and experienced associate trainers will also develop bespoke training and consultancy programmes for your organisation.

Our training reflects the core requirements of the All Wales Health and Social Care Induction Framework and Post Approval Learning and Development Framework for Foster Carers. Attending our courses will equip participants with evidence of knowledge and skills to include in their learning and development portfolios.

For more information see our training pages or email Sarah Mobedji, learning and development manager on learn@fostering.net or call her on 029 2044 0940.

Fosterline Wales - Information, advice, and assistance

The Fostering Network is able to provide unrivalled bilingual information, advice and support to foster carers and other professionals. We operate the free bilingual Fosterline Wales helpline 0800 316 7664 open from 9.30am - 12.30pm daily.

Fosterline Wales have also produced factsheets for foster carers in Wales. These focus on issues ranging from allegations to pets to saying goodbye and can be found here.

We also operate an independent support service for local authorities and independent fostering providers, to provide an independent advocate when needed to foster carers.

The Foster Carers' Charter in Wales

The Foster Carers' Charter covers issues such as supervision, involvement in planning and decision-making, and information and payments. The charter is an important way forward for fostering services in Wales, as it is a promise for service delivery that is owned by everybody invovled: the council, the fostering services, and foster carers. To ensure that the foster carer charter is embedded into everyday practice, The Fostering Network wants to help enable fostering services to develop and implement their own local charter. This will help foster carers get the recognition they both deserve and need in order to provide children with the best possible care.

As part of the Fostering Excellence programme (2016 - 2020) we developed an implementation framework and toolkit which embraces the charter and takes it to the next level.

Find out more about the charter resources and work.

The National Fostering Framework

For some time there has been a strong consensus in Wales that there is a need for a National Fostering Framework. Through working with Welsh Government and colleagues from across the fostering sector we have been vociferous in our influencing activity to address some of the key challenges that are threatening to undermine the effectiveness of fostering services in Wales.

For example, the involvement which young people have in their care planning issues to do with recruitment and retention of foster carers, the support, protection, status, respect and recompense afforded to foster carers and, in particular, the relationships between local authorities and independent fostering providers.

As a member of the Strategic Steering Group associated to The National Fostering Framework, we have been pleased to contribute to a strategic plan aimed at transforming fostering provision in Wales.

One of the Phase 3 workstreams was the development of a Post Approval Learning & Development Framework for foster carers in Wales. We worked with AFA Cymru to consult with key stakeholders across Wales and design the draft framework which sets out core topics and consistent learning outcomes . We then worked with Regional Development Managers to produce an implementation package, including guidance on cross referencing learning to the All Wales Induction Framework for Foster Carers in Wales. The framework is being formally launched and implemented from September 2019

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The Final report of the National Fostering Framework 2018 - 2021 can be read here.

The report outlines the journey in developing a co-ordinated Wales wide approach to supporting foster care services in Wales. This includes specific initiatives, regional work programme, improved data and information as well as a co-ordinated team approach to improving local authority fostering services through local authority, regional and Wales wide arrangements.

The National Fostering Framework Wales foster care allowances and payments survey 2016-17

The Fostering Framework in Wales Phase One report identified the payment of foster care allowances and fees as a key issue. It was recognised that the current pattern across Wales would present particular challenges but that these should not be ignored.

As part of the Phase Two development of the National Fostering Framework, The Fostering Network was commissioned by the strategic advisory group for the National Fostering Framework to undertake a survey of local authorities 2016-17 foster carer payment structures across Wales.

The subsequent report has demonstrated the scale of inequality of financial arrangements for foster carers across Wales, in particular in relation to fees.
Read the report here
Research in partnership with Cardiff University (CASCADE, DECIPHer and School of Social Sciences) and funded by the TRIUMPH Network (2021 - 2022)

The strengths and challenges of online services and interventions to support the mental health and wellbeing of care-experienced children and young people.

Young people who have been in care are at increased risk of poor wellbeing and mental ill-health. There are range of programmes and services that aim to offer support, but the majority of these are delivered in-person. The Coronavirus pandemic and its associated lock downs and restrictions prompted a move from these face-to-face interactions to more remote forms of engagement that relied on telephone or online contact. This had consequences for the type and frequency of mental health and wellbeing services and interventions that were available to care-experienced children and young people and their foster and kinship carers.

This report presents the views and experiences of online mental health and wellbeing provision among young people, carers, and health and social care professionals in Wales during the Coronavirus pandemic. The participants discussed the strengths and challenges of online and in-person services and offered recommendations for future practice and interventions.

The findings from the study noted some benefits of online mental health and wellbeing services and interventions for care-experienced children and young people, including accessibility, privacy and being able to engage or disengage remotely without the pressures of face-to-face interactions. However, accessibility, a lack of privacy and the format of online interactions were also cited as some of the challenges of remote forms of contact. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of online versus in-person contact were complex and intertwined.

We would like to acknowledge the TRIUMPH Network for the funding and support they contributed to this study.

Education and looked after children

The Fostering Network is working closely with Welsh Government in order to support foster carers who already play a vital role in raising aspirations and supporting children in care. Click here to read about our recent work including our guide 'A foster carer's guide to the education of looked after children' and the 'Making it Happen', 'Greater Expectations' and 'Working Hand in Hand' magazines for foster carers.

The emotional and mental health needs of children and young people in care

In September 2017, the Fostering Network took part in a response to the Welsh Government's (Children and Young People's Education Committee) Inquiry into the emotional and mental health of children in Wales. Consultation work was carried out with foster carers from across Wales and a comprehensive consultation report was prepared. This consultation report informed our five page submission to the inquiry.

In addition to the response to Welsh Government, an in-depth report has been written and published in which details the further issues raised relating to the emotional and mental health needs of children and young people who are looked after. It not only draws on foster carers views, opinions and experience but also upon the broad, collective experience of The Fostering Network, including discussions with a range of professionals in health, social services and education, and as stated, the outcomes of a specially convened focus group of foster carers and birth parents of fostered children to explore the issues raised in the terms of reference of the Inquiry.

The impact of allegations made against foster carers in Wales

This 2019 report highlights the impact of allegations made against foster carers and also the need for substantial improvements in the way the allegations investigation process is carried out. It has been informed by the experiences of foster carers throughout Wales who have given personal accounts of their experiences, and also draws on their wisdom about how the allegations process can be significantly improved for all involved.
Read the report
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Find out the current numbers of fostered children and foster carers in Wales, as well as our latest recruitment targets, or read more about fostering legislation in Wales. Fostering Wellbeing is a Welsh Government funded programme based on the principles of social pedagogy.

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Accessibility Statement

bginthistogether.co.uk

30 November 2023

Compliance status

We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website's UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website's HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

If you've found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we'll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website's operators by using the following email

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website's functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here's how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

1. Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website's components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website's images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

2. Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website's HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.

Users can also use shortcuts such as "M" (menus), "H" (headings), "F" (forms), "B" (buttons), and "G" (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.

Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.

Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.

ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.

Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.

Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as "M" (menus), "H" (headings), "F" (forms), "B" (buttons), and "G" (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

1. Font adjustments - users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.

2. Color adjustments - users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.

3. Animations - epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.

4. Content highlighting - users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.

5. Audio muting - users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.

6. Cognitive disorders - we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.

7. Additional functions - we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers), both for Windows and for MAC users.

Notes, comments, and feedback

Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to

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Blaenau Gwent In This Together - Wellbeing services in Blaenau Gwent

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BG In This Together is an interactive map for Blaenau Gwent that provides information on a range of wellbeing services and activities across the county.

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Mind in Gwent - For better mental health

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Mind in Gwent is a mental health organisation formed by the merger of Newport Mind Association, Mind Monmouthshire and Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind. With offices in Newport, Abergavenny, Pontypool, and Brynmawr, we use our shared experience and knowledge to help people in our diverse communities with their mental health struggles.

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Wellbeing hub for Blaenau Gwent￼ - Tai Calon

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Committed to creating vibrant communities across Blaenau Gwent

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Access a range of advice and support in the UK, including helplines and guidance on social security payments and grants that may be available to you.

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Getting Help with Food

Within Blaenau Gwent we currently have a number of food banks/organisations providing help, through food provision, for residents during this Cost-of-Living Crisis.

Here, you can find a Food Bank or organisation near you including contact details, description of service and opening times where known.

Further information about getting help with food can be found on BG Food Partnership - Community Food Organisations
Tredegar

Sirhowy Community Centre

Rhoslan, Sirhowy, NP22 4PQ

Community Co-op/ Members Food Pantry £6 per week, can come twice a week & community food share & cooking on a budget class

Community co-op: Monday and Thursday 10am till 12pm. Saturday 11am-12pm.

Foodshare: Wednesday Friday 10am-12pm & Saturday 11am-12pm

Cooking on a budget class: Tuesday 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Cefn Golau Together

87 Attlee Way, Tredegar

Food parcels twice per month.

Local Cefn Golau residents are welcome to get involved and pick up food when available.

The Hope Store

Hope Church, Cemetry Rd, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6YB

Food parcels of non-perishable foods depending on supply and surplus food from Morrisons and Greggs

Monday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Trussell Trust (Church on the Rise)

54 Beaufort Rise, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale

Food parcels (Short term aid)

Blaenau Gwent's Trussell Trust branch provide nutritionally balanced food parcels for those in need. Get in touch for your voucher. Collection Only

The collection of food parcels by family, friends and neighbours etc providing we have a letter of authorization from the client if they are unable to attend our centres due to health reasons or mobility issues. Some referral agencies may offer their clients under these circumstances to pick up the food parcels on their behalf as well so please check with them if this is the case.

Hilltop Log Cabin

Off Darby Crescent, Ebbw Vale NP23 6QG

Everyone is welcome to come along to the pantry for a selection of fresh produce, dried goods, tins, bread and lots more subject to availability.

Pay what you can, nobody will be denied food if they have nothing to pay.

Monday to Friday 11:00am - 1:30pm

Brynfarm Community Food Share (Brynmawr rotary food bank)

Brynmawr, NP23 4TZ

Food parcels- can offer support through daily texts or Facebook messenger. There will be screening questions and a limit of 3 food parcels over 3 months depending on circumstances.

Text 07572149138 for support.

Email: foodbank@brynmawrrotary.co.uk
Facebook Page

Monday - Thursday (Depending on volunteer availability, contact for assistance)

Trussell Trust (Tabor Centre)

Tabor Centre, Davies Street, Brynmawr, NP23 4AD

Food parcels (Short term aid-Requires referral). Collection only. Blaenau Gwent's Trussell Trust branch provide nutritionally balanced food parcels for those in need. Get in touch for your voucher.

The collection of food parcels by family, friends and neighbours etc providing we have a letter of authorization from the client if they are unable to attend our centres due to health reasons or mobility issues. Some referral agencies may offer their clients under these circumstances to pick up the food parcels on their behalf as well so please check with them if this is the case.

Ebenezer Church Abertillery- Free food Cupboard

Park Place, Abertillery NP13 1ED

Food Parcels (Free Food Cupboard provides food parcels for those in need.) & warm welcome

Food Parcels Tuesday and Thursday 10am -12pm Soup and Sandwich Wednesdays and Thursdays- 12pm-2pm

Llanhilleth Miners Institute

Meadow Street, Llanhilleth, Abertillery NP13 2JT

Community cupboard. A range of cookery classes (Including family cookery sessions 7+, youth cookery 11-16, "fill your freezer" batch cooking, slow cooker classes, grow your own workshops). Get in touch to see what's on offer

Classes held on different days including some weekends, contact via Facebook to enquire about upcoming dates & signing up.

Trussel trust - Aberbeeg Elevate Church

Unit 7 Glandwr Industrial Estate, Aberbeeg, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 2LN

Food parcels (Short term aid-Requires referral). Collection only. Blaenau Gwent's Trussell Trust branch provide nutritionally balanced food parcels for those in need. Get in touch for your voucher.

The collection of food parcels by family, friends and neighbours etc providing we have a letter of authorization from the client if they are unable to attend our centres due to health reasons or mobility issues. Some referral agencies may offer their clients under these circumstances to pick up the food parcels on their behalf as well so please check with them if this is the case.

Thursday 10am - 1pm.

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Find a Food bank or Food Support provider

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Within Blaenau Gwent we currently have a number of food banks/organisations providing help with food provisions for residents during this Cost of Living Crisis.

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Health and Wellbeing General Information

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Health and Wellbeing General Information

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How to make a budget: simple steps for kids and teens

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How do I make a basic budget for myself? - Money Ready

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Money management is a bit like learning to ride a bike: the earlier you start, the better you'll become. Just as you learned to balance on two wheels, creating a basic budget can be like your stabilisers for mastering your money.

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Every budget starts with this figure - how much money you get each month. Of course, most know how much they earn in a year but it's your monthly take-home figure after tax that really counts. Include any benefits or tax credits, pension or savings income and - if you have shares - dividends too.

If you're self-employed or part-time, it's not always so easy to calculate. Take an average, or a rough range into which your income falls into each month. If it all feels like hard work already, you're not alone. Getting started is always the trickiest bit - especially if you don't have the details immediately to hand. But it'll be worth the effort. If you're struggling to stay motivated, try to visualise what budgeting could do for you. It could take away some of life's stresses, and help you spend money without feeling guilty.

Really pushed for time? Don't feel you need to thrash it all out in one go. Try giving yourself 20 minutes a day to work on it - after a week, you'll be surprised at how much progress you can make.
2. How much do you spend monthly? Be as accurate as you can
It's crunch time - find out exactly where your money's going. Some like to print out bank statements and go through them line by line with a highlighter pen. Others prefer apps that detail your ins and outs, and do the hard work for you. Either way, do double-check your spending because it'll help to be as precise as possible.

As a rule of thumb, go through the last two or three months of your current account to spot trends and patterns. These will likely include online subscriptions, eating out receipts, travel, impulse buys, supermarket bills, clothes, bills, rent (or mortgage), sports, personal treats - the list can be very long, to say the least! This is the task which will take up most of your time. But you'll get the best out of your budget if you're willing to put the work in now.

Don't be surprised if you stumble across bills for items you didn't realise you were still paying for - forgotten sports club memberships and old magazine subscriptions are common finds for many. Soon enough, you'll see whether you're spending more than you earn. This is a light-bulb moment for many people, and you might be surprised by the answer. Got money left over? You're doing well and it might be worth exploring more savings options. But if you're regularly spending a lot more than you earn, the next budgeting steps could really help you.
3. 'Needs vs wants' - work out what you can go without
With the two totals in front of you, you need to figure out what is - and what isn't - your essential spending. Mortgage, rent, insurance, groceries and utility bills are all 'needs' you can't go without. However, while they'd all initially be difficult to cut back, you could look for better deals in future - for example, the supermarket shop and insurance costs could be trimmed, depending on circumstances.

But the real change can come from cutting back on 'wants'. This is money typically spent on eating out, fitness, entertainment and clothes. You could probably find some easier money-saving wins here as it's easier to make quick decisions - impose spending limits, cut up cards - that have an immediate impact on your wallet.

It's often the case that seeing all your spending in black and white can help you be honest about the treats you really don't need. At this point, it's worth a reminder that budgeting is meant to make your life better!

If giving up family meals out, your music subscription or your gym membership would make you miserable, don't do it. Your budget should help you see where else you can cut back. Then you can keep doing the things you love while living within your means.
4. Why it pays to pay off debts with savings
If you've got both debts and savings, you might not like the idea of paying off one with the other. It can feel like you're losing a layer of protection, and no one likes to say goodbye to savings. But although it's a tough decision, it can make a lot of financial sense.

That's because - in most cases - the cost of your debt is much more than the interest you earn on your savings. Say you're earning 1% interest on savings of £1,000. At the same time, you're paying 18% interest on a £1,000 credit card. Pay off the card in full and you're immediately £170 better off.
5. See if you can set goals with a simple budgeting rule
Now you've got a really good picture of what's coming in and going out, and you've figured out where you can save a little cash too. So it's time to set yourself some budgeting goals (though keep them realistic - if they're too tough, you could struggle to stick to them).

A well-known rule called '50/30/20' means you put 50% of your income towards essentials, such as housing and bills. Then you can spend 30% on the fun stuff, like meals out and holidays. And 20% goes straight into your savings.

As a basic formula, it covers off your must-haves, your nice-to-haves and what you hope to have in future. It won't suit everyone, of course, but you could always tweak the percentages and see if that fits your finances better. Whatever you decide, it's your budget, so it's got to work for you. And if you need a little more help, there's a great budget planner on the Government's Money Helper website.
6. Stick to the plan (but remember it's not set in stone)
Once you've done the hard graft, don't let it go to waste! The good news is, maintaining your budget doesn't take much time. It's easy to keep an eye on your everyday spending with the Barclays app and you can set spending limits to help you stay on track. You'll also find other budgeting apps that work with your accounts and track your purchases, so you can see at a glance how well you're doing.

But it's so important to check back once a month and make sure you're sticking to the grand plan. Expenses go up and down, your salary might change and even the season can make a big difference - think Christmas shopping or summer festivals. So expect your budget to change a little as time goes by.

We are not responsible for, nor do we endorse in any way, such third-party websites or their content. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk.

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A budget can help you feel more in control and encourage you to save for the future. Start with our six tips which show you the basics of budgeting.

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By Adam Shalvey

How confident are you with banking terminology? Understanding the language that your bank uses can help you make smarter decisions with your money.

This quiz will help you test what you already know. Once you finish, learn more at " Banking Terms Everyone Should Know."

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How confident are you with banking terminology? Understanding the language that your bank uses can help you make smarter decisions with your money and budgeting.

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Metro Bank have developed a pragmatic, friendly account opening process. Instead of photo ID, Metro Bank stores will accept a letter from a Local Authority or Care Home confirming the young adults identity and for verification, Metro Bank colleagues will make a call to the Local Authority or Care Home to confirm the details of the letter.

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Account Opening Support - Care Leaver Covenant

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Metrobank provides an ease of access bank opening process in place for care leavers, with additional support.

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How to make saving simple: easy tips for teens

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Use the 50-30-20 Rule: Allocate 50% of income to essentials, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

"No Spend" Challenges: Dedicate weekends to zero discretionary spending, using items you already have at home.

Review Subscriptions & Bills: Regularly switch insurance providers, energy suppliers, and bank accounts to get better deals

Sell Unwanted Items: Use apps or car boot sales to sell unused clothes and household items

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Children who have been in local authority care for 12 months or more and who are not eligible for a Child Trust Fund are entitled to a £200 payment from the government into a Junior ISA.

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Eligibility: If a young person has been in care for at least 12 months then you will be submitted to The Share Foundation by the local authority who can start your savings account:

Access: When a young person turns 16, the Share Foundation will send a letter to your 'main contact' at the local authority which explains how they can start the process of gaining access to a Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund account.

If you have not received a letter or any information on your child trust fund account - please use this link https://findctf.sharefound.org -

Complete the online form and The Share Foundation will support you in gaining access to your account.

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Missing Money - Lost Child Trust Fund - helping 16 & 17 year-olds find their account

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Missing your lost Child Trust Fund account? 16 & 17 year-olds born in the UK from 1 September 2002 have a pot of money typically over £1,000. Sharefound helps you find it.

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Find out if you qualify for Council Tax Reduction and apply online

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How does it work?

The HelpU tariff helps the lowest income households in our region. If you qualify, we will cap your water bill so you won't pay over a certain amount for the year.
The annual HelpU charge is £291.30 (£124.01 for water, £167.29 for sewerage). The tariff is open from 1st August 2020.
Are you eligible?

To qualify for the tariff:

the water supply to the household must be for domestic use only

someone in the household must receive at least one means-tested benefit

the combined annual household income must be on or under the threshold for the household size as shown in the table below.

It's important to let us know the total number of occupants (including children) in your household and to include all the income your household receives from occupiers who live at your property who are aged 16 years and over.
Here's a list of types of the means-tested benefits which someone in the household must be receiving at least one of:

Universal Credit

Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Income Support

Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (except families in receipt of the family element only)

Working Tax Credit

Housing Benefit

Council Tax Reduction (based on income, not just a Single Persons Discount)

Special Note: We exclude some types of income from the combined annual household income calculation:

Housing Benefit or Housing Element of Universal Credit

Council Tax Reduction / Support

Support Group, Work Related Activity Group & Disability/Carer Premiums on ESA

Disability Premiums on Child / Working Tax Credits

Disability / Carer Premiums on Pension Credit, JSA & Income Support

Disabled Child & Limited Capability For Working Elements of Universal Credit

Attendance Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Personal Independent Payment

Carers Allowance or Carers Element of Universal Credit

You would also need to reapply for the tariff before the end of every 12-month period (you may reapply up to a month before expiry).

For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

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The HelpU tariff helps low-income households on a means tested benefit by putting a cap on the amount you pay for your water.

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How does it work?

If you're successful in your application, we'll set up a monthly, fortnightly or weekly payment plan for your current year's charges.

Once you have made payments for 6 months, we will pay off 50% of your previous arrears.

If you make payments for a further 6 months, we will then pay off the rest of your previous arrears.

Example of instalments

This is just an example - customers may have different instalments to the below.

Based on £550 of debt, and a £400 bill for the current year:

Your weekly instalments would be £7.69 (£400 bill ÷ 52 weeks)

We pay the first 50% (£275) of your debt after 26 weeks.

We pay the second 50% (£275) of your debt after 52 weeks.

If you keep up with payments, over the year you would have paid your bill and we would have cleared your debt.
This is a one-off opportunity. If you fall into arrears again, the Customer Assistance Fund Debt Support scheme would not be offered.
Are you eligible?

You may be eligible if:

Your water account is for a domestic property where you currently live.

You owe more than £150.

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Customer Assistance Fund Debt Support scheme | Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

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If you're successful in your application, we'll set up a monthly, fortnightly or weekly payment plan for your current year's charges. Once you have made payments for 6 months, we will pay off 50% of your previous arrears. If you make payments for a further 6 months, we will then pay off the rest of your previous arrears.

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Universal Credit explained - What, who and how

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Universal Credit is paid monthly. How much you get depends on:

your standard allowance

any extra amounts that apply to you

any money taken off your payment

if you're working, how much you earn

See how much you could get by using a benefits calculator.

Standard allowance

You'll get one standard allowance for your household.

How much you'll get

Monthly standard allowance

If you're single and under 25

£292.11

If you're single and 25 or over

£368.74

If you live with your partner and you're both under 25

£458.51 (for you both)

If you live with your partner and either of you are 25 or over

£578.82 (for you both)

Extra amounts

You may get more money on top of your standard allowance if you're eligible.

If you have children

You could get an extra amount for your children if they live with you. You would get the extra amount until the 31 August after their:

16th birthday

19th birthday, if they're in eligible education or training - for example, they're studying for GCSEs, A levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers and SVQs or NVQs up to level 3

You'll only get an extra amount for your first and second child. You will not get an extra amount for any more children unless:

your children were born before 6 April 2017

you were already claiming for 3 or more children before 6 April 2017

other exceptions apply

How much you'll get

Extra monthly amount

For your first child

£315.00 (born before 6 April 2017)
£269.58 (born on or after 6 April 2017)

For your second child and any other eligible children

£269.58 per child

You'll also get an extra amount if any of your children are disabled. You're eligible for this extra amount no matter how many children you have.

You'll get:

£146.31 if your child is disabled

£456.89 if your child is severely disabled

Childcare costs

You can claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs if you're working. If you live with your partner both of you need to be working, unless one of you is unable to work due to a disability or health condition.

The childcare needs to be from a registered provider. You can get help paying for childcare including nurseries, childminders, breakfast clubs, after school care and holiday clubs.

The most you can get each month is:

You need to pay your childcare costs up front and claim the money back as part of your payment. You can get support to help you pay your childcare costs up front. Talk to your work coach after you've made your claim.

Read more about childcare costs and Universal Credit.

If you have a disability or health condition

How much you'll get

Extra monthly amount

If you have limited capability for work and work-related activity

£390.06

If you have limited capability for work and you started your health-related Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance ( ESA) claim before 3 April 2017

£146.31

If you get the severe disability premium and you're moving to Universal Credit, you might also be entitled to a 'transitional protection' payment.

Read more about health conditions, disability and Universal Credit.

How much you'll get

Extra monthly amount

If you provide care for at least 35 hours a week for someone who gets a health or disability-related benefit

£185.86

This is on top of any extra amount you get if you have a disabled child.

Housing costs

You could get money to help pay your housing costs. The payment can cover rent and some service charges.

If you're a homeowner, you might be able to get a loan to help with interest payments on your mortgage.

Money taken off your payment

Your payments might be reduced if any of the following apply:

you are paying back an advance on a Universal Credit payment

you have more than £6,000 in money, savings and investments

you would get above the amount limited by the benefit cap

you've been overpaid benefits in the past

you owe money for Council Tax, court fines, electricity, gas, water or Child Maintenance

you pay your gas or electricity bill directly from your Universal Credit payment

you have other income - for example, money from pensions or certain other benefits

Find out more about money taken off your Universal Credit payment.

Moving to Universal Credit from other benefits

If you've applied for Universal Credit, you'll keep getting your current benefit paid for 2 more weeks. You must still be eligible for your current benefit.

This only applies if you're getting:

You will not need to pay back the extra payments and they will not affect the Universal Credit you might get.

Other support you could get

If you receive Universal Credit you may also be able to get other financial support depending on your circumstances.

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Universal Credit is replacing 6 other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income - eligibility, how to prepare.

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Use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to find out which welfare benefits you may be entitled to.

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Universal Credit Explained | What It Is, Who Can Claim & How Much You Could Get | Afforda

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Step-by-step guide to making a Universal Credit Claim from DWP

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Can I claim Universal credit while on an apprenticeship? 

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Can I claim Universal credit while on an apprenticeship? 

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Yes, you can claim Universal Credit while you are on a "recognised" apprenticeship which means you must have:

1. Have a named training provider.

2. Be working towards a recognised qualification.

3. Be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for an apprentice.

Your eligibility for universal credit depends on how many hours your apprenticeship is. Please click the how to claim link and start your application or call your local job centre.

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Can I claim for universal credit while in work? 

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Can I claim for universal credit while in work? 

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Yes, you can claim Universal Credit while working. Universal Credit is designed to support you in work, and your payments will be adjusted based on your earnings. There's no limit to how many hours you can work while still receiving Universal Credit. Your payments will gradually reduce as your income increases, but you can still receive some support even if you're in work

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Communities for Work+ - Blaenau Gwent Pathways

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Communities for Work Plus provides specialist employment advice, mentoring and training opportunities to help participants overcome barriers to, and secure sustainable employment. Our dedicated mentors are able to offer one to one support that is tailored around individual needs and an agreed Personal Development plan is set with the individual. The support we provide is […]

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National careers service for Wales. Offer careers information advice and guidance to all clients over 16 who have left compulsory education. We can work with employed, unemployed, economically inactive, career changers and those wishing to gain extra skills and discuss funding via various Welsh Government programmes such as ReAct+, Jobs Growth Wales+ and Personal Learning […]

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The Supported Volunteering Blaenau Gwent programme is designed for people living in Blaenau Gwent who aren’t in education/training or employment or face other barriers

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Our employment teams can work with you on both your employment goals and your wellbeing. Together, you'll find ways that you can build your confidence, improve your mental health, and access training and opportunities.

Cardiff - Vale of Glamorgan - Rhondda Cynon Taf - Merthyr

Peer Mentoring Programme
One-to-one support on your way back into work
The Out of Work Peer Mentoring service offers one-to-one support as you find your way back into work, delivered by peer mentors who understand the challenges you're facing. They can work with you to find the volunteering, training or employment opportunities you need.

We'll talk with you about your goals, and work with you on a plan to achieve them. We'll meet you in your community and provide information, advice and guidance in confidence to support you on your way back into work.

Is this for me? It's for people who have experienced mental health challenges - like anxiety or depression - or who are in recovery from alcohol or substance use.
It's available if:

Over 25: You've been unemployed for more than 12 months, or are receiving ESA or Universal Credit

16 - 24: You're not in education, employment or training.

If you're not sure, get in touch with us to check.

Take the next step. Talk to us to get started:
Supported by the European Social Fund through Welsh Government
Caerphilly Borough

Platfform Academi
Build your confidence, identify your strengths, and figure out what's next
If you've been out of work due to mental health challenges, or feel that those challenges are affecting your confidence, we can work with you to figure out your next step.

Platfform Academi focuses on your goals, strengths and abilities, and provides training and inspiration to overcome the challenges you face, learn the skills you need, and build the confidence you want.

Ready to move on? If you're over 25 and economically inactive or long-term unemployed, Platfform Academi can work with you to create an individually-tailored programme. This will help you access volunteering, training and employment opportunities.

Talk to us:
Funded by the WCVA Active Inclusion Fund and supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

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Our employment teams can work with you on both your employment goals and your wellbeing. Together, you'll find ways that you can build your confidence, improve your mental health, and access training and opportunities.

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Cyfle Cymru (Out of Work Service) - Barod

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Consortium between Barod, Kaleidoscope and Hafal in Gwent Partnership with New Link and Gofal in Cwm Taf (age 16-24 only) Cyfle Cymru peer mentors help people to develop confidence, and provide support to access training, qualifications and work experience. We help people affected by substance misuse and/or mental health conditions to gain the skills necessary … Continued

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National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

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The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates: age, apprentices, previous years.

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Contact details and emergency numbers if facing homelessness

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Contact details and emergency numbers if facing homelessness

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Homelessness prevention services are available to anyone who is considered to be at risk of homelessness within 56 days or actually considered to be homeless. This service is provided by the Council under the provisions of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. The options available will vary based upon individual circumstances and it is therefore difficult to outline what services will be offered. However the services can include:

advice, information and guidance on your housing options

help to either maintain your existing home or find other accommodation

practical help and assistance with finding private rented housing

referrals to other agencies for further assistance (for example - debt management)

mediation services

provision of support services where appropriate

In any event, you will be advised of the options open to you and will be provided with clear help, assistance and guidance on what can be done to help you to resolve your housing difficulties where you are either homeless or at risk of being homeless within the next 56 days. Even if you are not homeless or at risk of being made homeless then we will still offer you advice and practical help in resolving problems that you may have.

Prior to contacting the housing options team, please complete the Housing Options Wizard.

If you need help then you will need to make contact with a member of staff by either visiting the Housing Advice Centre or through contacting on 01495 354600 (option 2). Alternatively you can also email housing@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
For further Information Contact:
Housing Options
Available Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Housing Advice Centre, 20 Church Street, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6BG - Opening time 10:00 - 14:00 (Mon-Fri)

If you require an appointment (between 9am and 5pm) or for any queries please use the contact number or email below:-
Tel: 01495 354600 Email: housing@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk Homelessness Emergency Out of Hours 01495 311556 (Weekdays(17:00 - 08:59) and Weekends(24hrs))
Additional Information

Blaenau Gwent Homeless Fact Sheet Blaenau Gwent Homeless Face Sheet CYMRAEG

Easy Read - Personal Housing Plan Easy Read - Personal Housing Plan - CYMRAEG

Homelessness Appeals Process Factsheet Homelessness Appeals Process Factsheet - CYMRAEG

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Homelessness prevention services are available to anyone who is considered to be at risk of homelessness within 56 days or actually considered to be homeless. This service is provided by the Council under the provisions of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.

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Bursaries and support at South Wales University

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Bursaries and support at South Wales University

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Welsh Government Learning Grant, funding for Further Education

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Welsh Government Learning Grant, funding for Further Education

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How and when to apply for Welsh Government Learning Grant, Further Education | Student Finance Wales

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If you're new to the Welsh Government Learning Grant Further Education (WGLG FE) for academic year 2024 to 2025, you'll need to fill in the application form. There are guidance notes to help you fill in the form.

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Education Maintenance Allowance, funding for Further Education | Student Finance Wales

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If your circumstances change during the academic year, you'll need to update your application. Changing your application may affect how much student finance you can get.

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providing information and guidance on the financial help available to higher education students, living in Wales.

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Development Award Grant - The Princes Trust

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Development Award Grant - The Princes Trust

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Financial support to help get into work and education. Click this link to find out more information.

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Get funding to train and learn | Development Awards

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Our grants for 16- to 30-year-olds remove the financial barriers preventing you from taking your next steps into work, education or training.

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There are many ways you can get help with the cost of studying, with lots of different grants available depending on your circumstances. For help or advice, contact Learner Services at one of our campuses or call 01495 333777
ALL EMA/WGLG Learner Agreements and FCF applications will be on CG Portal for 2023/24 (we'll let you know when they're available).

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Welsh Government Learning Grant Further Education (WGLG) (FE)

This could give you up to £1,500 a year if you're aged 19 or over and are studying a Further Education course at college. Check the eligibility criteria, apply to Student Finance Wales, complete a WGLG Learning Agreement with us and meet the attendance and behaviour criteria.

To find out more contact Learner Services or visit Student Finance Wales.
If you are having trouble downloading an EMA or WGLG application pack and would like one sent to you, please email your name, address and if you would like an EMA or WGLG pack to financesupport@coleggwent.ac.uk.

Financial Contingency Fund (FCF)

This fund is provided by the Welsh Government and is means-tested. You must be enrolled on a full-time Further Education course and have been resident in the UK or EU for at least three years immediately before starting your course.

Application for 2023/24 is now available on the (you must have enrolled with the college to access the form)
Financial Contingency Fund (FCF) PROCEDURE

How can FCF help?

Bus pass costs - the grant helps towards the cost of a bus pass so your eligible journeys will be free.

Childcare costs - the grant will pay 90% of your childcare costs for one child, and up to a maximum of £45 per day.

Equipment grant - the grant will pay towards the cost of buying essential equipment for your course.

Meal costs - if you're 16-18, and either you or your Parents / Guardian are in receipt of eligible benefits you can receive a daily meal allowance to the value of £3.90 per day.

Hardship Support - if you have extreme financial problems or your circumstances change to affect your attendance at College, you can apply for financial help through the fund. Talk to Learner Services for details.

ReAct Funding

Made redundant in the last six months or facing redundancy? ReAct can help you improve your chance of returning to work by providing up to £2,500 towards the cost of vocational training courses. To apply, contact your local Careers Wales office who can help you look at your options.

David Davies Memorial Trust

If you're 17 years old and a dependant of a South Wales coal worker/ex-coal worker, you could get a non means-tested grant of up to £300 from the David Davies Memorial Trust through the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO).

If you think you may be eligible, contact andrew.morse@ciswo.org.uk.

The Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales (DAF)

DAF in Wales replaces parts of the Social Fund, which were sometimes known as 'crisis loans' or 'community care grants'. It offers support through Emergency and Individual Assistance Payments. To apply, call 0800 859 5924 or click here.

Prince's Trust Development Award

This could help you with the costs of transport, equipment or other expenses during your time at college. Find out more here.

Personal Learning Accounts

If you're 19 or over, in a job earning less than £30,596* a year and want to take the next step to a great career, a Personal Learning Account could be just what you're looking for.

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There are many ways you can get help with the cost of studying, with lots of different grants available depending on your circumstances.

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Intensive support programme for child under 3 living in disadvantaged areas

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To apply for free NHS Dental Care, you’ll need to request application forms from your midwife, GP or health visitor. You’ll receive a Maternity Exemption Certificate which will remain valid throughout your pregnancy, and for 12 months from your due date (pre-birth applications) or your baby’s actual date of birth (post-birth applications).

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Payments from your college or university to help with the costs of childcare if you’re on a low income.

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Financial Support | Adult Learning Wales

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Support for learners enrolled with Adult Learning Wales

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Sure Start Maternity Grant is a £500 payment to help with the costs of a new baby: what you’ll get, eligibility and how to apply (claim form SF100).

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You can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after you've registered the birth of your child, or once a child comes to live with you.

Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child, so you need to decide whether it's better for you or the other parent to claim. The person who claims will get National Insurance credits towards their state pension if they're not working.

Make a claim online

Use this service to make a claim for Child Benefit or to add another child to an existing claim.

You might need to download, print and send your completed form to HMRC, along with any documents you need to provide.

Watch this video to find out more about how to claim Child Benefit online.

How to claim Child Benefit online video on YouTube.

Before you start

You'll need:

your child's birth or adoption certificate

your bank or building society details

your National Insurance number

your partner's National Insurance number, if you have one

You can order a new birth or adoption certificate if you've lost the original.

If your child's birth was registered outside the UK

You'll need to send:

your child's original birth or adoption certificate

your child's passport or the travel document they used to enter the UK

Any documents you send will usually be returned in 4 weeks.

If you do not have the certificate you need, make a claim now and send the certificate once you've got it.

Other ways to claim

If you cannot apply online, you can:

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else's Child Benefit claim.

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Child Benefit - child benefit rates, eligibility, how to claim, child benefit claim form CH2.

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These are Weekly payments to help up to 85% of your childcare costs.

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Childcare Grants for full-time students in higher education - grants, CCG1, CCG2 forms, how to apply, eligibility

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The NHS Healthy Start scheme pays eligible families with young children (or expecting a child) up to £8.50 a week to help pay for ‘healthy’ foods such as fruit, vegetables and milk. You also get free vitamin supplements.

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Applying online

If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if:

you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old

your family's monthly 'take-home pay' (also called 'earned income') is £408 or less from employment

If you get Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for Healthy Start if:

your family's annual income is £16,190 or less

you do not get Working Tax Credit

Most people who get Child Tax Credit can apply online. You can apply online if you're either:

more than 10 weeks pregnant and have children under the age of 4

not pregnant but have children under the age of 4

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and have other children who are all aged 4 or older, you'll need to apply by email or phone.

To apply online, you'll need your:

name

address

date of birth

National Insurance number

baby's due date (if you're pregnant)

benefit award letter if you're over 18 - make sure you enter the exact details shown on your benefit award letter

Make sure that your details are up to date with HMRC or DWP - you may wish to contact them to check or update your details before you apply.

Applying by email or phone

You can apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant, or have at least one child under 4 years old, and get either:

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)

You can also apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and either:

under 18 years old and not getting any benefits

getting Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you get Child Tax Credit, you'll need to apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and have other children who are all aged 4 or older.

You can apply by either:

Phone lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Find out about call charges (opens in a new tab).

If you're not a British citizen but your child is

You might be eligible for Healthy Start depending on your immigration status.

You can get Healthy Start if all the following are true:

Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or your online immigration status (opens in a new tab) will say if you cannot claim public funds. You might also have a letter from the Home Office about it.

To apply for Healthy Start, ask for an application form via email. Only use this email address if you think you cannot claim public funds because of your immigration status.
Healthystartclaim@dhsc.gov.uk

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If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if: you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old your family's monthly 'take-home pay' (also called 'earned income') is £408 or less from employment If you get Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for Healthy Start if: your family's annual income is £16,190 or less you do not get Working Tax Credit Most people who get Child Tax Credit can apply online.

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What are the differences between different types of banks?

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What are the differences between different types of banks?

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What are the differences between different types of bank?

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Learn about the different types of bank in the UK, from high street and challenger banks to building societies and online-only providers.

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Budgeting for uni ensures you can manage your expenses, avoid debt, and enjoy your uni experience without financial stress. In this article, we’ll provide practical tips to help you create a budget that works for you.