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Maternity benefits

Information on maternity benefits during pregnancy and after the birth

Maternity Allowance
Sure Start Maternity Grant
Benefits Paid after the Birth of the Child

Maternity Allowance

Maternity allowance is designed to provide some income to allow a mother to take time off for the birth of her baby. It is not subject to tax or National Insurance and can be paid from 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth to a maximum of 26 weeks.

To qualify you must:

• have worked 26 of 66 weeks before the week in which the baby is due
• have earned at least £30 per week for at least 13 of these weeks.

How much will I get?

• Maternity Allowance is approximately £106 per week.
• it is paid for up to 26 weeks and can start from 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.

How can I claim?

• To claim Maternity Allowance fill in form MA1, which you can get from the local Jobcentre Plus Office, your antenatal clinic or the Department for Work and Pensions website.

More information can be found on the Jobcentre Plus website

Sure Start Maternity Grant

If you have a low income, a Sure Start Maternity Grant can help you pay for the immediate needs of a newborn baby. If you are in receipt of any of the following benefits, you may qualify for the £500 grant; however, you must ensure that you apply within 3 months of birth of the child:

• income support
• income based jobseekers allowance
• pension credit
• child tax credit
• working tax credit (disability element)

For more information see the Department for Work and Pensions website

Benefits paid after the birth of the child

• Child benefit
  Child benefit is paid for each child to assist in the bringing up of children and is not affected by income or savings.
  For advice on your claim call the Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444, open every day (including back holidays) from 8am to 8pm.
  
  
• Child Tax Credit
  If your household has a low income you may be eligible for tax credits.
  For more information on Child Tax Credit, see the Jobcentre Plus website
  For advice on your claim call the Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900, open every day (including back holidays) from 8am to 8pm.
  
  
• you may be entitled to income support.
  Income Support is an income-related benefit for people aged from 16 years up to 60 that are on a low income.
  For more information on Income Support, see the Jobcentre Plus website
  
  
• free prescriptions (as long as you register the birth).
  
  
• grants from the discretionary social fund.
  There are a number of grants, loans and payments which are available from the Social Fund to help new parents meet expenses.
  For more information on the Social Fund, see the Department for Work and Pensions website