What can I apply for?
This section focus's on the different financial help available for first time parents.
Have a look at some of the different help available below and the criteria/direct links for each application.
Healthy start vouchers
The healthy start scheme provides a prepaid card which can be used at local shops to buy cows milk, infant formula milk and fresh or frozen fruit & vegetables. Free healthy start vitamins can also be provided for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and children aged 6 months - 4 years.
To qualify for Healthy Start Vouchers you must:
- You are at least ten (10) weeks into your pregnancy term.
- You have at least one child who is under four (4) years old.
and qualify for any of these benefits:
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit (providing the annual income of your family does not go over £16,190)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Your family is earning no more than £408 per month (after tax)
- Working Tax Credit
All those who are pregnant and under 18 years of age qualify, whether or not they are in receipt of benefits
Follow the link below to apply for Healthy Start Vouchers
Child Benefit
Child benefit is paid to those responsible for bringing up a child under the age of 16 or 20 if the child remains in education/training.
Everyone is entitled to this no matter how much you earn.
You are entitled to
- £21.80 a week for your first child
- £14.45 a week for any child after
Follow the link below to apply for Child Benefit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-benefit-claim-form-ch2
Surestart Maternity grant
The Surestart maternity grant is a one of payment of £500. To avail of this payment you must have no other children under the age of 16.
You are entitled to this if you are on 1 of the following:
- Income support
- Income based jobseekers allowance
- Income related employment and support allowance
- Pension credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
- Universal credit
Follow the link to apply for Surestart maternity grant
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sure-start-maternity-grant-claim-form
Universal credit
Universal credit is available for families on a low monthly income.
It is a very helpful benefit during maternity leave as it is payable any month when your household income is low.