As a working or non working parent, it can be extremely difficult to understand what benefits you are entitled to.

Here is a list of some of the benefits that could be available to you along with details of who qualifies.

Child Benefit

£20.30pw + £13.40 for additional children

Eligibility: This is currently the only benefit available in the UK that is given to every family regardless of their circumstances. However, this looks set to change from April 2013 when families with an earner in a higher-rate tax bracket (£42,375 or more as of 2011) will no longer be eligible.

Child Tax Credit

£Variable

Eligibility: Anyone with a household income of up to approximately £58,000 (£66,000 if you have a baby under 1 year old) is eligible up until April 2011, after which the upper threshold will be dropping to £40,000. Be aware that you do not have to be working to claim child tax credits.

The amount you can claim here is based on your household income and the number of children you have. You will also receive a higher rate of tax credit for the first year of your child's life.

Working Tax Credit (Child Care Element)

Up to £175pw for 1 child or £300 for 2 or more

Eligibility: You generally need to be working 16 hours a week or more, however, you can get away with a little less as long as you are working the same number of hours as before you went on maternity leave. Your child care must be a Government registered or approved childcare provider and could be a childminder or nursery.

To make a claim for tax credits, you can call the helpline on: 0845 300 3900 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0845 300 3900 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Health in Pregnancy Grant

£190

Eligibility: You must have been given health advice from a midwife of doctor to help you and your unborn baby stay healthy during pregnancy and be a UK resident. In addition, you must reach your 25th week of pregnancy before 1st Jan 2011 as the government are due to abolish this grand after then.

To claim, call the Health in Pregnancy Grant Helpline: 0845 366 7885 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0845 366 7885 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Parents of a Low Income

£500

Eligibility: If you are on Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pensions Credit, Child Tax Credits (above the family element) or Working Tax Credit (where a disability element is included), you could qualify for the sure start maternity grant.

From April 2011, the eligibility of this grant will be restricted to the first child only.

To claim this grant, contact your local jobcentre plus of the Department of Social Security if you're in Northern Ireland.

Single Parents

25% Council Tax Discount

Eligibility: As long as there is only one adult living in your household, you will be eligible for a discounted rate of council tax. If you have recently had a change in circumstances and become a single parent, ensure you are paying the reduced rate.

Widowed Parents Allowance

up to £97.65pw

Eligibility: Widowed parents who live alone may be eligible for widowed parents allowance. This amount will be reduced depending on other benefits you are claiming.

To claim contact your local Jobcentre Plus