Financial help and grants for single parents

Money worries can be hard as a single parent. You might find it difficult to pay for certain things for your family or be unsure about what help you can get.

Depending on your situation, you could be entitled to support through benefits or grants. You may also be able to get help to work out your budget if you need it.

You can get mental health support if you’re finding it hard to cope.

If you have a co-parent, you could be getting child maintenance payments.

If you were previously married or in a civil partnership, you may be able to get spousal maintenance. You might be eligible for this if you can’t afford to live without support from your ex-partner.

Universal Credit can help with day-to-day cost of living. Eligibility depends on what you earn, your housing situation, what you spend each month and any savings.

Not all savings are included, so ask your bank or Citizens Advice if your savings or investments will affect your Universal Credit.

Check if you can get Universal Credit.

You could get help:

• if your child has a special educational need or disability
• with free school meals, if you are on benefits
• from the school, depending on your child’s situation

Read about financial support for your child.

You can also check if you’re eligible for free childcare hours if you’re working.

Housing allowance is being replaced by Universal Credit. The housing costs element of Universal Credit can help with rent and some service charges.

If you are on a low income you may be eligible for a council tax reduction.

If you own a home or are buying a home, you could get a loan from the government to help with some costs. You will need to repay this money and any interest later.

Help if you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

You may be able to get certain benefits if you’re disabled.

This includes Personal Independent Payments, if you find everyday tasks difficult.

You can get an idea of what you might be entitled to with the Turn2Us Benefits Calculator.

You can also talk to your local Citizens Advice for guidance.

Some charities offer grants for specific needs. A grant is a one-off payment for people needing extra help. What you can get will depend on your situation and where you live.

Use the Turn2Us has a grant checker.

It’s worth checking with your local council to see if it offers help with essential costs like bills.

Talk to any professionals who are already supporting you to ask what support there is locally. You might also be able to get advice from a family hub.

There are also ways to get help with food costs.

If you don’t have a car, you might find transport difficult. Try talking to your child’s school or childcare about help with this for your child.

If you have appointments at the job centre, you can sometimes claim back money for transport.

Working out your finances can be overwhelming for some people. It can feel hard to talk about, but it’s important you ask for help where you need it. It’s a good idea to speak to:

• family and friends, if you can
• your bank, for advice on spending and saving
• services like electricity, gas and water to see if they can give you a deal that works within your budget
• support services like Citizens Advice

Some banks offer tools like free online budget planners.

We also have some advice if you are leaving a relationship with no money and a child.

If you are struggling with your mental health because of money stress or childcare responsibility, speak to your GP. They may refer you to local support.

You can also read our guidance on money and mental health and other organisations offering support.

Page last reviewed: April 2025
Next review due: April 2028