Children & Money

Financial support and legal obligations relating to raising children and education costs. Articles explain benefit entitlements, maintenance rules and parent liability for debts.

Are Parents Responsible for Their Children's Debt?

Whether you're legally responsible for your child's debts and how to prepare them for financial independence.

Being a Guarantor for Your Child's Mortgage

Acting as a guarantor on your child's mortgage means you're legally responsible for repayments if they can't pay.

Child Maintenance Service and How It Might Affect You

The Child Maintenance Service replaced the old CSA system in 2013, gradually closing cases and reassessing who should pay child support.

Legal Entitlement to Child Benefit and Tax Credits

Child benefit is available to most parents with children under 16, with no income limits, and rates depend on how many children you have.

Student Loans and University Tuition Fees: Know the Facts

Student loans aren't means-tested and come straight from the government, making them cheaper than other funding options for university costs and tuition fees.

University Tuition Fees and Student Loans

Help your child pay for university with student loans, grants, and bursaries to cover tuition and living costs.

Who Qualifies for Free School Meals?

Check if your child qualifies for free school meals based on your benefits or income threshold.

Who Qualifies for Help with Childcare Costs?

Check if you qualify for childcare cost help based on work hours, provider registration and your circumstances.