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Sure Start Maternity Grants (the Social Fund)

A Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 which does not have to be paid back. It is to help towards the cost of maternity and baby items.

You could qualify if you’re on a low income and getting certain benefits or tax credits.

• Sure Start Maternity Grant (money, tax and benefits section)

Funeral Payment (the Social Fund)

A Funeral Payment can help with the essential costs of a funeral, which you or your partner are responsible for arranging.

You could qualify if you're on a low income, and you or your partner get certain benefits or tax credits.

The payment is recoverable from any money available form the deceased person's estate.

Ask at your local Jobcentre Plus for a claim form and more information.

• More information on Funeral Payments (money, tax and benefits section)

• Advice on arranging a funeral and other responsibilities after someone dies (government, citizens and rights section)

Community Care Grants (the Social Fund)

A Community Care Grant can help with the cost of living independently in the community, or ease exceptional pressure on you and your family. The grant can be from £30 up to £1,000 and you don’t have to pay it back.

You could be eligible for example if you're moving out of care to live independently. Or you might need help to stay in your home and not go in to care or hospital.

You'll normally need to be getting certain benefits, or due to start getting benefit.

Ask at your local Jobcentre Plus for a claim form and more information.

• More information on Community Care Grants (money, tax and benefits section)

Budgeting Loans (the Social Fund)

Budgeting loans are interest-free (from £30 up to £1,000 in total) for the cost of things other than regular expenses. A budgeting loan could help you pay for things such as furniture, household equipment, clothes, or things to help you look for or start work.

To be eligible you or your partner must have been getting certain benefits for at least 26 weeks.

Ask at your local Jobcentre Plus for a claim form and more information.

• More information on Budgeting Loans (money, tax and benefits section)

Crisis Loans (the Social Fund)

Crisis Loans are interest-free and can help if there is a serious risk to the health and safety of you or your family following an emergency or disaster. You do not need to be getting any benefits but you must be over the age of 16. Whether you can get a Crisis Loan will depend on your particular circumstances.

Ask at your local Jobcentre Plus for a claim form and more information.

• More information on Crisis Loans (money, tax and benefits section)

Tax credits

Tax credits are payments from the government. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit.

The amount of tax credits you get depends on your circumstances and your income. The lower your income, the more tax credits you can get.

• Tax credits (money, tax and benefits section)

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