What help can you get with your family finances?

We all want the best for our kids and to give them the right start in life. It's good for children to see their mum or dad going out to work, but it can be tough for parents to balance their responsibilities and afford the cost of childcare. Take a look at just some of the support you might be eligible for.

If you're looking to move back into work, a Jobcentre Plus work coach can offer you personalised support to find a job that works for you and fits in with your childcare responsibilities. Going back to work doesn't mean giving up all your benefits. Some benefits may carry on, and others may be available once you're working. 

If you are already in work, and you have a 3 or 4 year-old, you are likely to be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare - that's double what you could claim last year. Check out the full eligibility requirements to see if you can claim. 

Mums and dads who are in work and getting Universal Credit can claim up to 85% of their childcare costs back for children up to the age of 12 - for families with two children that could be worth up to £13,000 a year.

Universal Credit provides the support that's right for you. You're not restricted by the number of hours you can work, allowing you to take on short contracts, helping to build up experience, without having to worry about your claim. 

Visit Childcare Choices to find out more about childcare support available for working parents.