Support for those expecting children

A one off grant of £500 to support parents with the cost of children

You usually qualify for the grant if both of the following apply:

• you’re expecting your first child, or you’re expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already
• you or your partner already get certain benefits

You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within 6 months after the baby’s birth.

You do not have to pay the grant back and it does not affect other wlefare benefits

A pre-paid card that can be used to buy milk (or formula based on mlk), fruit and vegetables, and vitamins/vitamin drops.

To be eligible you have to be more than 10 weeks pregnant, or have a child under the age of 4, and in receipt of one of the following:

• Income Support, 
• Income based Jobseeker's Allowance 
• Child Tax Credit 
• Universal credit (provided family earned income is £408 or less per month)
• Pension credit

You also qualify for Healthy Start Scheme if you are not getting one of these benefits yourself but:

• You live with your partner and your partner gets the benefit, or 
• You are the dependent child of someone who is getting the benefit, or
• You have a British citizen child aged under 4, have no recourse to public funds, and your household has earnings of less than £408 per month.

If you're pregnant, or have had a baby in the last twelve months, you qualify for free NHS prescriptions and dental care. Approachour GP, midwife or health visitor for details on how to apply for your maternity exemption certificate.

If you are currently working, then you may be eligible for Standard Maternity Pay, or Maternity Allowance. Eligibility for either will depend on your earnings, employment status and  length of employment.