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