Over 468,000 mums-to-be get cash boost in first six months

14 October 2009 11:46

HM Revenue & Customs   (National)

NAT 67/09

Over 468,000 mums-to-be have benefited from the new Health in Pregnancy Grant – worth £190 – since it was launched in April 2009.

The Health in Pregnancy Grant is a one-off payment intended to help pregnant mums stay fit and healthy in the run up to the birth and meet some of the costs as the big day approaches.

Urging mums-to-be not to lose out the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury said:

“I’m delighted that so many mums-to-be have already claimed the Health in Pregnancy Grant. 

“If you’re pregnant now don’t lose out - it’s really easy to claim. You can spend the cash on whatever you like, including fresh vegetables, a cot, nappies or baby clothes. It’s completely up to you.”

Pregnant women can get more information at http://www.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be or by downloading a free podcast at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts.

The money can be claimed from the 25th week of pregnancy, after receiving health advice from a midwife or other health professional. Expectant mums will be given a claim form to sign and send off, which they must do within 31 days. When the claim is approved, the money is paid directly into a bank or building society account.

Notes to editors


1. The Health in Pregnancy Grant is available to expectant mothers ordinarily resident in the UK and is subject to immigration status.
2. The grant is a universal, one-off payment available to expectant mothers in the UK from the 25th week of pregnancy and was payable from 6 April 2009. Payment of the grant does not depend on household income.
3. The grant will not affect payments of other benefits and tax credits and is payable for each pregnancy, not each baby.
4.  If you receive this release by email a photograph is available by following this link:

http://nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=407548&NewsAreaID=2&ClientID=257  

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