Updated: 29 October 2026. Schemes differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Christmas costs more when there's one income. If you're worrying about presents, food or the heating bill this December, you're not the only one: about 1 in 5 single parents in our 2025 survey named money as their hardest challenge.

Here's where to look for help, starting with the places most likely to pay out.

1. Your council's Crisis and Resilience Fund (England)

From 1 April 2026, the Household Support Fund was replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund. It's government money given to councils in England to help low-income households facing a financial shock. Each council runs its own scheme, so what you can get and how to apply depends on where you live.

What to do: search "[your council] Crisis and Resilience Fund". If you're in Scotland or Wales, ask your council about the Scottish Welfare Fund or the Discretionary Assistance Fund.

2. Charity grants (Turn2us Grants Search)

There aren't many grants just for Christmas. But lots of charities give grants for essentials like a cooker, a bed or clothes, and that can free up money for Christmas. Grants usually don't need to be paid back.

What to do: use the free Turn2us Grants Search. It matches you to funds based on where you live, your job (or past job) and your circumstances.

3. Check you're getting every benefit

Lots of families miss money they're owed. A 10-minute check could be worth more than any one-off grant.

What to do: use the free benefits calculator at Turn2us. Then read our Universal Credit guide for single parents.

4. Gifts for the kids: The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

The Salvation Army collects toys and gifts for children and teenagers in need. Gifts are usually given out through local agencies, like health visitors, social services and schools.

What to do: ask your health visitor, your child's school or your local Salvation Army church.

5. Your child's school

Schools often know about local food banks, gift schemes and holiday clubs. Some run their own.

What to do: have a quiet word with the school office or family support worker. They've heard it all before.

6. Free holiday clubs (England)

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme gives free activities and a healthy meal in the Christmas holidays to children who get benefits-related free school meals.

What to do: search "[your council] HAF Christmas".

7. If you need to talk

Christmas can be lonely when the kids are at their other parent's. Samaritans is free and open 24 hours a day: call 116 123.

And in the Frolo app, there are other single parents up at 10pm on Christmas Eve too.

Free money advice

• Citizens Advice: free help with debt, benefits and bills.
• Gingerbread: free advice for single parents on money and child maintenance.

Quick checklist

• Search your council's Crisis and Resilience Fund
• Run the Turn2us benefits calculator
• Run the Turn2us Grants Search
• Ask school about gift appeals and HAF
• Join Frolo, free, and find single parents near you

Sources: Hull City Council, Crisis and Resilience Fund (runs 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, replaces the Household Support Fund); Turn2us, Christmas grants and other support; Gingerbread, Applying for a grant; Frolo survey of 202 single parents, 2025.

Frolo is the free app for single parents. Make friends, join group chats and find meetups near you. Download Frolo.