The rising cost of living is affecting families across London — and for single parents or expectant mothers, the pressure can feel even heavier.

You may be worrying about:

• Food and essential items
• Rent or housing costs
• Preparing for a new baby
• Managing income during maternity leave

At Basch Helps, we want to make one thing clear:

👉 Support is available — and you have a right to access it

This section brings together key UK government support, how to apply, and how quickly help can reach you.

✅ What Support Is Available

1. Healthy Start Scheme

✅ For pregnant women and families with young children

You may receive:

• Weekly payments for food (milk, fruit, vegetables, formula)
• Free vitamins

💡 How quickly?

• Usually within a few weeks after approval

👉 Apply online via NHS or ask your midwife/health visitor

2. Universal Credit

✅ For low‑income families or those not currently working

You may receive support for:

• Daily living costs
• Housing costs (rent support)
• Children
• Pregnancy (additional elements)

💡 How quickly?

• First payment usually within 5 weeks
• Advance payment available sooner if needed

👉 Apply online through GOV.UK

3. Maternity Allowance

✅ If you are pregnant and not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay

You may receive:

• Weekly financial support during maternity leave

💡 How quickly?

• Once your claim is processed
• Can be backdated depending on timing

👉 Apply via DWP with support from your midwife or employer

4. Sure Start Maternity Grant

✅ One‑off payment (currently £500)

Available if:

• You are having your first child (or multiple birth)
• You receive certain benefits

💡 How quickly?

• Paid as a lump sum after approval

👉 Apply from 11 weeks before due date up to 6 months after birth

5. Free Prescriptions & Dental Care

✅ During pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth

You are entitled to:

• Free NHS prescriptions
• Free dental care

👉 Ask your GP or midwife for a maternity exemption certificate

6. Local Council Support (London Boroughs)

✅ Each borough offers additional help

May include:

• Cost of living grants
• Emergency funds
• Food vouchers
• Housing support

💡 How quickly?

• Some emergency payments can be provided within days

👉 Contact your local council or family hub

7. Child Benefit

✅ For all parents (regardless of income level thresholds in most cases)

You may receive:

• Regular payments for each child

💡 How quickly?

• Once processed, payments are ongoing

👉 Apply after your baby is born

❤️ How Basch Helps Can Support You

Alongside government support, Basch Helps provides:

• AngelBox emergency support (baby essentials)
• 1‑to‑1 befriending support
• Help understanding what support you can access
• A safe space to talk without judgement

👉 We are here to stand alongside you — not just signpost you

Step 1 – Check What You’re Entitled To

• Use GOV.UK or speak to a professional
• Ask your midwife, health visitor, or support worker

Step 2 – Apply as Early as Possible

• Many benefits can start during pregnancy
• Don’t wait until financial pressure becomes severe

Step 3 – Ask for Help if Needed

• Family Hubs
• Local councils
• Charities like Basch Helps

👉 You do not have to navigate this alone

⏱ How Quickly Can You Get Help?

Support Type Timeline Emergency council support Within days (in urgent cases) Universal Credit advance Within days Healthy Start payments Few weeks Maternity grant Lump sum once approved Ongoing benefits Within weeks

👉 If you are struggling urgently, always ask about advance payments or emergency help

💛 If Things Feel Overwhelming

Financial pressure can affect:

• Mental health
• Relationships
• Confidence as a parent

👉 It’s okay to feel overwhelmed — and it’s okay to ask for help early.

❤️ How Basch Helps Can Support You

Alongside government support, Basch Helps provides:

• AngelBox emergency support (baby essentials)
• 1‑to‑1 befriending support
• Help understanding what support you can access
• A safe space to talk without judgement

👉 We are here to stand alongside you — not just signpost you