We have provided some useful links if you are searching for information, advice or support regarding money matters.

Tax Credit payments for Families with Children.

Working Tax Credit is for people who are employed or self-employed, who usually work 16 hours or more a week.

Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the person who is normally responsible for the caring of the child. You can also claim this if you are a lone parent.

More information is available on the link below.

www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets/wtc2.htm

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice and by influencing policymakers.  A charity for the whole community :

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Sure Start Maternity Grant

A grant (not repayable) made to clients who have babies due, born, adopted or subject to a parental order and receive Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Persons Tax Credit. A payment of £300 is made for each child. Children born on or after 16 June 2002 receive £500. This benefit is claimed from the Benefits Agency and not Sure Start. More information is available on the link below.

www.dfwp.gov.uk

The Child Trust Fund 

The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term savings and investment account, available to every child born on or after 1 September 2002, provided they live in the UK, receive Child Benefit and are not subject to immigration restrictions.

Once a parent starts claiming Child Benefit for their child, they will automatically receive a £250 voucher from the Government, plus information about the CTF and providers.  Children in families who receive Child Tax Credit will also receive an extra £250 if the household income is below the CTC limit (currently £13,910).

For help opening an account, visit www.ctfhelp.com.  For general information on CTF, see www.childtrustfund.gov.uk or call 0845 302 1470. 

Stop press! Extra £250 for Child Trust Funds
The additional amount to be awarded into children's Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts when they reach age seven, has been confirmed in the 2006 budget. The chancellor announced that a payment of £250 would be made into the child trust fund accounts, with children from poorer homes receiving £500.

Childcare Voucher Scheme

If your employer is registered for the Scheme, you can contribute a proportion of your salary (up to £55 per week) towards your childcare costs.  These contributions will be exempt of tax and national insurance and can save you around £915 per year.

For more information, please contact South Tyneside Children's Information Service on Freephone 0800 783 4645.