Maternity grants
There are now 2 grants available to pregnant women in the UK. The first is available to all and is not means tested and the second is for mums on a low income.
Health in Pregnancy
From April 2009, you can claim a one-off, tax-free payment from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you're a mum-to-be who's at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called 'Health in Pregnancy Grant' and is to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. Your due date needs to be on or after 6 April 2009 for you to make a claim.
Who can get Health in Pregnancy Grant?
You can get the grant if all of the following apply:
- you are 25 weeks pregnant or more
- your expected date of delivery is on or after 6 April 2009
- you have been given health advice from a midwife or doctor
you may not get the grant if:
- you are subject to immigration control or
- you are not present, ordinarily resident or have a right to reside in the UK
How much do you get?
The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It will not affect your tax credits or any other benefits. Everyone will get the same amount – you will not be asked about your income.
How do you claim?
Get a claim form from your midwife or doctor any time from 1 January 2009 onwards - as long as you're at least 25 weeks pregnant and your expected delivery date is on or after 6 April 2009. Your midwife or doctor must fill in their part of the form and sign it before giving it to you.
You will need to get your claim form to HMRC within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form - otherwise you may miss out on the grant.
You can get a free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim if you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet.
Sign-up for the HiPG reminder service
How is the Grant paid?
HMRC will pay the grant directly into your bank or building society account any time from April 2009 onwards. Don’t worry if you don't have an account - any bank or building society will help you open one.
More info is on http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/
Sure Start Maternity Grant
If the idea of the course or CDs is really appealing to you but finances are an issue, then you may be able to apply for a grant towards costs associated with having a baby.
It’s called the Sure Start Maternity Grant and it is for £500
The grant is made from the Social Fund and you do not have to pay it back and is available from the Department of Work and Pensions.
Who can get the grant?
You can get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you or your partner are getting:
• Income Support
• Income based Jobseeker's Allowance Pension
• Credit Child Tax Credit which includes an amount higher than the family element
• Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included
• Pension Credit
How do I claim?
You can claim a Sure Start Maternity Grant on form SF100 Sure Start, which you can get from your local Jobcentre Plus office.
Details and a downlodable form are also available at the DWP - Maternity Section on their website.
Good luck!