Benefits for Pregnant Women in the UK
If you are pregnant, there are several benefits and forms of financial support that could be available to you. These range from regular payments to help replace income during maternity leave, to one-off grants for the costs of a new baby, to ongoing support with food and vitamins. The support you may be entitled to depends on your employment status, income, and whether you are already receiving other benefits. It is worth checking your eligibility early in pregnancy, as some benefits need to be claimed within specific timeframes.
Check Your EligibilityMaternity Pay and Allowance
If you are employed, you may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) through your employer. If you are not eligible for SMP — for example, if you are self-employed or have recently changed jobs — you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the DWP, which provides up to £172.48/week for up to 39 weeks. You can claim Maternity Allowance from 26 weeks of pregnancy. If you are not eligible for either SMP or Maternity Allowance, you may still be able to claim Universal Credit.
Grants and Additional Support
The Sure Start Maternity Grant provides a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby. You may be eligible if you are expecting your first child (or a multiple birth) and you or your partner receive a qualifying benefit. This can be claimed from 11 weeks before your due date until 6 months after the birth. The Healthy Start scheme provides a prepaid card for milk, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and vitamins if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant and receive a qualifying benefit. You may also be entitled to free prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth.
Benefits you may be eligible for
Based on this circumstance, you may want to check your eligibility for the following benefits. Eligibility depends on your individual situation.
Maternity Allowance
For pregnant women who have been employed or self-employed.
Up to £172.48/wk
Sure Start Maternity Grant
A one-off £500 payment to help with the costs of a new baby.
£500 one-off
Healthy Start
Prepaid card for milk, fruit, and vitamins for pregnant women and families with young children.
Up to £4.25/wk
Universal Credit
Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.
Varies by circumstance
Child Benefit
Universal payment for anyone responsible for a child.
£26.05/wk (first child)
Child Tax Credit
Extra money for families with children, based on household income.
Varies
Free School Meals
Free meals during term time for children of families on low income.
Up to £15/wk per child
Housing Benefit
Help with rent for people on low income.
Varies by area
Council Tax Reduction
Reduction on Council Tax for people on low income or receiving certain benefits.
Up to 100% discount
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim Universal Credit while pregnant?
When is the best time to claim maternity benefits?
Check what benefits you could be entitled to
Our free eligibility checker covers 20+ UK benefits. It takes around 15 minutes and there is no obligation.
Check eligibilityCheck your eligibility for 20+ UK benefits
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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.