Making ends meet is tricky for parents of triplets and twins. Helen Forbes, the director of Tamba - the Twins and Multiple Birth Association explains where to find help.

Raisingkids member's question
We are expecting triplets in a few months and although we are delighted, we are seriously worried about how we're going to be able to afford everything they need, especially when they are older. Are there any extra benefits available for parents in our situation?

Helen Forbes' reply
This is a very common and understandable concern. Unfortunately, there are no extra practical or financial benefits that you are entitled to and this is something Tamba is continually campaigning for.

Like all new parents you will be entitled to start claiming child benefit from the day the babies are born. The higher rate (16.05) will be paid for the first born of your triplets and the lower rate (10.75 each) for the other two.

Depending on your income you may also be entitled to claim Child Tax Credit. This tax credit is made up of three elements - 545 family element, an amount payable per child dependent on your joint income, and a baby element of 545 if you have one or more children under a year old. This tax credit is the focus of Tamba's current campaign - we feel very strongly that the baby element should be paid per baby, and meaning that a family with newborn triplets should be entitled to 1635 baby element. You may like to visit www.tamba.org.uk to sign our petition and download a letter to send to your MP on this issue.

Don't forget if your child tax credit award entitles you to anything more than the basic family and baby elements - ie the per child amount, often referred to as higher rate child tax credit - to claim.

There is also something called the Sure Start Maternity Grant, a payment of 500, which you will be eligible to claim. You will be pleased to learn that the Maternity Grant is payable per baby, so if you are entitled, you will be able to claim 1500. This grant must be claimed within 3 months of the babies' birth. So, even though you will be incredibly busy when the triplets arrive, it is important to apply for child tax credit as soon as possible, and if you are entitled to the higher rate, you must then claim the Maternity Grant as soon as you can.

You will have realised how expensive it is going to be buying equipment for three babies at once. Some retailers offer discounts to Tamba members, and wherever you buy your baby equipment it is always worth asking for a discount. Tamba can also give you information about buying good quality second-hand triple pushchairs. We can also put you in touch with your local Twins & Multiples Club, they may be able to provide you with secondhand equipment and clothes, they will also be a good source of moral support and may be able to offer you practical support when you bring the babies home.

If you are considering returning to work and thinking about childcare, some nurseries and creches will offer a sibling discount, but finding places for three babies at once can be difficult. As a member of Tamba you will be able to use our discount scheme and take advantage of the discounted family holidays and days out we organise, as your babies grow older.