The £190 “health in pregnancy” grant from the government is available to all expectant mums – regardless of your income. The aim of the grant is to help reduce infant mortanlity rates in the UK. Its not often we get money back from the tax man – so be sure to sign up for this grant if you are pregnant.
You have to be at least 25 weeks pregnant. If it is still early days for you, click here to sign up for the free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim at 25 weeks.
You Decide How to Spend the Money
The grant of £190 is aimed at providing meaningful support towards the additional costs incurred in the pregnancy and in making preparations for a new baby. The last few weeks of pregnancy are an expensive time for mums to be so the grant gives you keep flexibiliy on how you spend the money. You can spend the money on whatever you like: nappies, cots, food, a buggy, what ever suits your specific needs in preparing for the birth of your baby.
How to Claim
Be sure to talk to your midwife about the ‘health in pregnancy grant’ at your next appointment, as you have to receive health advice from your midwife or other professional health adviser. When you are 25 weeks pregnant get a claim form from you midwife or doctor who will fill in their part of the form and sign it before giving it to you.
Remember to get your claim form to H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form – otherwise you may miss out on the grant. HMRC will pay the grant directly into your bank or building society account any time from April 2009 onwards.
If you are on a low income you may also be able to claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant which can also be claimed from the 25th week.
More useful links:
Sign-up for the HiPG reminder service
Money4Mum2Be
Health in Pregnancy Grant – do you qualify?
Thanks to DirectGov
