Health In Pregnancy Grant Approaching 6 April Launch, UK

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Article Date: 01 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Pregnant women throughout the UK with an estimated due date on or after 6th April 2009 will be eligible for the Health in Pregnancy Grant, a one-off payment of £190. The grant, administered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is available to pregnant women between the 25th week of pregnancy and their child's expected date of birth.

The grant aims to provide flexible financial help to support the general health and well-being of women in the later stages of pregnancy, and to help them meet the wider costs in the run up to birth. As a doctor, you or a midwife will be able to sign the claim form for eligible women to receive the grant.

The grant, which is not means tested, is paid as a one-off lump sum. Payment will be made towards the end of April 2009 and will be paid directly to the pregnant woman. The mother will then be able to spend the money how she chooses, taking into account any advice from her doctor or midwife.

Health in Pregnancy Grant - key questions and answers

When can a pregnant woman claim the grant?

To ensure as many women as possible are eligible, pregnant women whose expected delivery date is on or after 6th April 2009 can make a claim from the 25th week of her pregnancy. This means the first claims can be made immediately, however, payment will not be received until after the official launch of the grant in April 2009.

How will a woman claim the grant?

Once a pregnant woman reaches the 25th week of her pregnancy, she will need to fill in a simple claim form, which is now available to doctors and midwives. A midwife or doctor will need to sign the form to confirm that the woman is 25 weeks pregnant, and that "appropriate maternal advice" has been given. It will then be the responsibility of the woman to ensure the application form is sent to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), who are administering the grant, and that it arrives within 31 days of being signed by the midwife or doctor. HMRC will only supply forms to registered doctors and midwives; pregnant women cannot obtain the form directly. If you need to request a supply of claim forms call 0845 302 1430. Claim forms will be sent out in packs of 10 and should be stored securely.

What is "appropriate maternal advice"?

This is the normal advice that midwives and doctors give to pregnant women to help them and their unborn baby stay healthy during pregnancy, for example advice on a healthy diet and lifestyle. The most appropriate advice varies for different women, and so there is no set rule on what this might be.

Does the doctor have to give the advice, or can a practice nurse?

A practice nurse can give the advice but the GP has to be sure that the advice given is appropriate before signing the form.

When will the grant be paid?

Once HMRC has received that claim form (which must be within 31 days of it being signed by a midwife or doctor) it will be processed as soon as possible. If the woman hasn't heard anything from HMRC within four weeks of posting her claim form, she should phone the helpline - the number for this will be available on the claim form.

What if the expectant mother is under the age of 16?

There is no minimum age to claim the Health in Pregnancy Grant. Expectant mothers under the age of 16 should complete their own forms unless they are physically or mentally unable to claim themselves. A parent of the expectant mother cannot claim on their daughter's behalf.

What further information will be available for healthcare professionals?

Guidance notes will be available with the form to help answer any questions a pregnant woman or healthcare professional might have about the grant and the application procedure.

A quick reference guide for healthcare professionals is available via http://www.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be. It will provide more specific questions and answers about the grant.

In addition posters and materials for women are being distributed in clinics and waiting rooms, with advertising in the parenting press to ensure that as many pregnant women as possible hear about this new grant.

Source
Health in Pregnancy Grant

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