HM REVENUE AND
CUSTOMS News Release (Ref:NRNAT 07/09) issued by COI News
Distribution Service. 20 January 2009
Mums-to-be, with
babies due on or after 6 April 2009, are being urged to apply now
for the 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.
The money can be claimed from the 25th week of pregnancy, after
receiving health advice from a midwife or other health
professional. You'll be given a claim form to sign and send
off, which you must do within 31 days. When your claim is
approved, the money is paid directly into your bank or building
society account. Women who apply in the first three months of the
year will get the cash in April.
Mum-to-be Gemma Hargreaves and midwife Juliet Albert put their
questions about the new grant to an HMRC expert in a new podcast,
launched today, which you can listen to or download for free by
visiting http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts.
Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:
"We understand that the run up to a birth is an expensive
time for families. The new Health in Pregnancy Grant will help
expectant mums meet these extra costs and give their child the
best possible start in life.
"It's very easy to make a claim and pregnant women can
spend the cash on whatever they like, including fresh fruit and
vegetables, nappies or even a pram or baby bath. It's their choice."
Pregnant women can get more information at direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be.
Notes for editors
1. The Health in Pregnancy Grant is available to expectant
mothers ordinarily resident in the UK and is subject to
immigration status.
2. The grant is a universal, one-off payment available to
expectant mothers in the UK from the 25th week of pregnancy and
will be payable from April 2009. Payment of the grant does not
depend on the amount of household income.
3. The grant will not affect payments of other benefits and tax
credits and is payable for each pregnancy, not each baby.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Press
enquiries only please contact: Sara Gaines
Tel: 020 7147
0394
Website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk