Money for parents and expectant mums
What it’s worth
For 2009/10 you’ll receive £20.00 a week for your first child, and £13.20 a week for each of your other eligible children.
However, for a new child it’s important that you start claiming Child Benefit within three months of your baby’s birth or adoption, otherwise you may lose some of it.
How to claim
- If you haven’t already got one, you’ll need to call the Child Benefit helpline on 0845 302 1444 to request a Child Benefit claim pack.
- Fill in the forms and send them, along with your baby’s original birth certificate, to the Child Benefit Office. Your baby’s birth certificate will be given to you free when you register the birth, and will be returned to you once your Child Benefit claim is sorted out.
- Your benefit will then be paid directly into your bank or building society account. Or, if you request it, you’ll be sent a cheque which you can cash at a Post Office® branch. It is usually paid every four weeks in arrears, although if you’re a single parent or your family has a low income, you can choose to be paid weekly if it’s more convenient.
Tip! If it’s easier, you can also claim Child Benefit online by logging on to www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/online.htm
Free NHS prescriptions
You are entitled to free NHS prescriptions while you’re pregnant and for 12 months after your baby’s born. Your child also qualifies for free prescriptions until they reach 16 (19 if they are still in full-time education). In Wales, all prescriptions are free.
To claim, just ask your doctor or midwife for Form FW8 which you need to complete and post to the address printed on the form. You will be sent a Maternity Exemption Certificate which lasts until a year after your due date. You then take this along to the pharmacy with your prescriptions and you won’t be charged.
Free dental care
When you’re expecting your baby, and for 12 months after your child is born, you are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment. All you have to do to claim is present your MATB1 Certificate or your Maternity Exemption Certificate at the surgery when you’re treated. Your child qualifies for free dental care until they reach 18 (19 if they are still in full-time education).
For more information about the help available with meeting health costs, see the Department of Health leaflet HC11 which you can find in the publications area of their website www.dh.gov.uk.