eRedbook Essentials: Focus on Finance

All pregnant women and new parents are able to claim some types of financial support. If you are on a low income, out of work, under 18 or receive other benefits, you might be entitled to further help. We have gathered our top links to help you find out what you could be claiming. 

Where to start

• The NHS summary of parental benefits and leave is a good article to begin with. It includes information about maternity and paternity leave and pay, benefits for pregnant women, and other entitlements. Each section has a link to the relevant GOV.uk pages with the most up-to-date information on eligibility and how to claim.
• All pregnant women and new mums are entitled to free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment. Ask your midwife to apply for your exemption certificate if they haven’t already. They can do this at any time from when your pregnancy is confirmed.
• The uk pay and leave calculator is a useful tool for finding out what benefits and leave you and your partner are entitled to, including Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay. If applicable, it will also let you know key dates for when you need to tell your employer your plans for taking leave.
• If you are expecting twins, triplets or more, also take a look at the summary of financial support on the Twins Trust website.

 Other maternity/new parent benefits for those eligible

• Healthy Start vitamins and vouchers – free vitamins and vouchers to spend on healthy food. Check here to see if you are eligible.
• Maternity Allowance – payments you may be able to claim if you’re not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay. Check here to see if you are eligible.
• Sure Start Maternity Grant – a one-off payment for some expectant parents who are already claiming certain benefits. Check here to see if you are eligible.

Financial help and information if your baby is premature, sick or has other special needs

• Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme – help you can claim for if you’re already in receipt of certain benefits and your child has been referred for diagnostic tests or treatment.
• Financial information from Bliss – information and links from Bliss, a charity supporting families of premature or sick babies.
• Help if your child has a disability – an overview from GOV.uk on what help you might be entitled to and how you can claim it.

Help with childcare costs

• The uk step-by-step guide to getting childcare is a good place to start. It tells you how you can get childcare and how to find out whether you’re entitled to help with the costs.
• You may be entitled to free education and childcare for 2-year-olds, 15 hours of free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds or 30 hours of free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds. Check the individual links for eligibility criteria.
• The uk childcare costs calculator will help you find out what you’re eligible for.

 Getting help to work out what you might be entitled to

• Find your local Citizens Advice
• Find your local Jobcentre Plus