Maternity and new family benefits

If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, there a number of benefits you may be able to claim depending on your circumstances. You may be getting some of these benefits already, or be claiming for the first time following the birth of your child.

Many people miss out on extra weekly income because they do not know they can claim. Don't assume that you cannot get extra help - read on and then contact our Welfare Rights Team for advice if you need it.

Before the baby is born

If you work for an employer, or have been in recent work, you may be able to claim:

• Statutory Maternity Pay or
• Maternity Allowance.

Fathers may also be able to claim Statutory Paternity Pay.

If you are not working or are on a low income you may be able to get:

• Sure Start Maternity Grant - to help with the cost of a new baby
• free fruit, vegetables, milk and vitamins.

You may also be able to get other help while you are maternity leave including:

• Working Tax Credit if you are maternity leave and Child Tax Credit if you already have children
• Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit if you are on a low income.

If you cannot get maternity or paternity benefits and are on a low income you may be able to get other benefits, such as:

• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Employment and Support.

How much you get depends on your income and circumstances. Contact the Welfare Rights team for a full benefits check and for advice about making claims.

After the baby is born

Once you have had your baby you can claim:

• Child Benefit
• Child Tax Credit - if you already get tax credits, contact HMRC within one month so that they can adjust your claim to allow for the new baby; if this is your first child, and you have not claimed Tax Credits before, you should make a claim now - find out how by visiting the Child Tax Credit link.

Health costs

You are entitled to free prescriptions and dental treatment if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (your baby automatically gets this help). You will need a valid maternity exemption certificate.

After 12 months, you may still be able to get help depending on your circumstances.

Call the Help with Health Costs Advice Line for more information.

Registering the birth

You will need your child's birth certificate for benefit claims so don't delay registering the birth - you have up to six weeks to do this. You will need make an appointment with the Royal Borough's Register Office (follow the link on the right for details).

Ring to arrange an appointment as soon as possible once you've had the baby (or try to get someone to do this for you). You may want to ask if any cancellations are available if you want to get the earliest possible appointment. It is a good idea to get at least one extra birth certificate if possible - this will make sorting out your benefit claims easier.

Important: Don't delay making your benefit claims because you are waiting for a birth certificate - otherwise you may miss out. You can always send this on later.

When your maternity benefit or pay stops

If you have been getting maternity payments, remember to get advice when this runs out if you are on a low income. You may be able to get other benefits, such as Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. If you are part of a couple, your joint income and circumstances will be taken into account.

Help with childcare costs

If you claim Working Tax Credit you may get some help with 'approved' childcare costs while you work. You can also get this help while you are on maternity leave. Follow the Working Tax Credit link on the right for more information.

Contact the Royal Borough's Families Information Service for free information, advice and guidance about services and activities for families with children and young people aged 0 to 19. They can also advise you about childcare options in the borough (including a list of registered childminder vacancies, daycare and holiday play schemes).

Child Maintenance

If you are a lone parent, remember that any Child Maintenance payments you receive will not affect your benefits and tax credits payments. These are completely ignored so you can get this help on top of any other benefits you already receive. Follow the the Directgov link on your right for advice about child maintenance option.

Further information

Contact the Welfare Rights team for more information and to check if you are missing out.