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Dealing with debt during maternity leave

Having a baby is exciting, but it also comes with new costs. These can add financial pressure to your budget.

There are lots of adjustments with a new baby. Many of them are joyful. But new costs and reduced income can also lead to debt.

Asking for help can be hard.

Are debts causing you stress? Do you feel you never have the time?

Whatever the barrier, let’s deal with it together.

Find out more here.

Are you struggling with debt after having a baby?

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now

Ways to increase your income during maternity

Are you struggling with debt payments on maternity leave?

Free and confidential debt advice can help.

You should also review your budget to see where your money is going.

You might find some of the following tips useful too.

Benefit entitlement

Use our online benefits checker to make sure you claim all the benefits you are entitled to.


  • You can claim child benefit when your baby is born
  • You may be able to claim other tax credits too

Speak to your employer to find out more about maternity pay.

Have you claimed Child Benefit?

Child Benefit can be claimed by parents or guardians with a child:

  • Under 16 in their household or
  • Under 20 if they stay in approved education or training

You can get:

  • Up to £1,331 per year for a first child
  • Nearly £882 for any other child

These rates are as of April 2024.

You can now claim fully online. The money should arrive within three days.

Sure start maternity grant

The Sure Start Maternity Grant pays a lump sum of £500 towards the costs of having a baby.

It is for people who:


  • Are on a low income or
  • Who get certain benefits

You can apply for the grant any time from 11 weeks before the baby is due until the baby is 3 months old.

You do not need to pay the grant back.

Look at ways to reduce spending

Your budget may be tight right now, but there might be places you can make savings.

These include:


  • Doing regular price comparisons on your utility bills
  • Shopping around for better deals online
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Buying second hand

Read more about how to increase income and cut costs here.

Join online parent communities

There are many supportive online communities for parents with helpful money-saving tips and ideas.

For motherhood related support and advice, visit:


Help and advice if you are struggling with money

Use our free online debt advice tool to find the best solution for you.