Last year, we announced that the government is planning to give mums a ?190 grant from April 2009. And today, we’ve received alerts from HMRC to remind our mums-to-be readers, with babies due on or after 6 April 2009 to apply now for the government’s new ?190 Health in Pregnancy Grant.
The one-off payment is intended to help pregnant mums stay fit and healthy in the run-up to the birth, and help meet some of the costs as the big day approaches.
All you have to do is get your midwife or GP to complete the claim form and then you send it off – so get your skates on.
This is not means tested like other government schemes – it’s for all expectant mums. So, even if you earn a high salary, or your husband or partner does, you will still get it as long as you are a UK resident. The only snag is that you can only apply for it from week 25 of your pregnancy.
Once your claim is approved, it will be paid straight into your bank account – apply by March, and the cash will be sitting pretty in your account by the time your bundle of joy is born in April. You can spend the money on WHATEVER you need – from fruit and veg to a new buggy.
Questions
Will it affect my benefits and tax credits?
No – that’s why it isn’t means tested!
I’m expecting twins/multiple birth; will I get multiple amounts of the grant?
Unfortunately, not – the grant is paid for each pregnancy, not each child.
I am a high-tax payer, and my husband earns big bucks. Do I still qualify?
Yes – the grant is not means tested. In other words, even millionaires can apply for it as long as:
a) mummy millionaire is at least 25 weeks pregnant
b) baby millionaire is due on or after 6 April 2009
Where do I get a claim form?
The forms are not sent out to individuals – you have to ask your GP/midwife to complete it, and then give it to you to send off. If your GP or midwife has not heard of the Health in Pregnancy Grant, or they do not have the forms, ask them call the Health in Pregnancy Helpline: 0845 366 7885. Don?t do what I did and call them yourself, because they don?t send it out to individuals, apparently, as they need reference number to go on it, which only the GP/midwife can provide.
Further information
Get more information at direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be. You can set up an email or text alert to remind you when you are 25 weeks pregnant to ask your doctor/midwife about the Health in Pregnancy grant, which is fantastic.
