Bounty

From April 2009, you may be able to get a one-off, tax-free payment if you’re a mum-to-be.

The payment is called ‘Health in Pregnancy Grant’ and you can make a claim for it from 1 January 2009 if your expected delivery date is on or after 6 April 2009. The money is to help you stay well and healthy and to meet extra costs during the later stages of your pregnancy.

Who can get it?

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 to help you and your unborn baby stay healthy during pregnancy

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.

However, you may be able to apply if you are a Crown Servant working for the UK government overseas. How much do you get?

You can get a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. If you’re expecting more than one baby, for example twins or triplets, only one grant of £190 is payable.

The payment will be on top of any other benefits or tax credits you may get. Everyone will get the same amount - you will not be asked about your income.

How is it paid?

The Grant will be paid directly into your bank or building society account any time from April 2009 onwards. How do I claim?

Once you are 25 weeks pregnant you can make a claim for the Grant. Your midwife or doctor will give you a Health in Pregnancy claim form, which they will need to sign and date. You will need to return your claim form to the Health in Pregnancy Grant office within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form otherwise you may lose out on your payment. Need help?

If your midwife or doctor does not have a claim form please call the Health in Pregnancy Grant Helpline on 0845 366 7885 or textphone 0845 366 7886 (open between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm seven days a week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).

For full details of the Health in Pregnancy Grant, visit www.direct.gov.uk.