Information & support for new parents

Child Benefit

You should make a claim for Child Benefit (gov.uk) after registering the birth.

In addition to monthly payments, Child Benefit can help protect your state pension (by providing National Insurance credits for periods away from work) and ensures that each child automatically receives their National Insurance Number at age 16. 

  • For your first child, you must complete the Child Benefit claim form (gov.uk). This should be sent to the Child Benefit office.
  • If you don’t have access to a printer, you can call 0300 200 3100 to request a form in the post.
  • The form also contains information for the small minority of families who may be eligible for the High-Income Child Benefit Charge (gov.uk).
  • If you already have a Child Benefit claim, you can add further children by calling HMRC on the number above.

Support for new parents

Support for families

Family Hub East Sussex helps families from pregnancy onwards.

  • Help with pregnancy, birth and the early years, to give your child the best start in life.
  • What family hubs have to offer dads, partners and step-parents with children of all ages.
  • How to contact our family advice service if you are struggling with any aspects of family life.
  • Join a session or group and learn positive parenting skills to make family life easier.

Postnatal depression (PND)

Postnatal depression (PND) can be experienced by many parents after having a baby. It can affect any parent. It doesn't matter if they’ve suffered from a mental health condition before.

Postnatal depression is a common problem, affecting 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth.

It can also affect dads and partners.

Get help from PANDAS Foundation UK