Pregnant? Make sure you know your maternity rights and benefits entitlement

There are certain government grants, maternity rights and benefits which every pregnant woman and new parent is entitled to. The HM Revenue & Customs and direct.gov sites are full of easy-to-understand information about grants and allowances available during pregnancy and as new parents. Many good pregnancy and baby websites also have links to the Government’s relevant pages. You can use these to check how much time you can take off work, how much you’ll get paid, whether you can get extra financial help during pregnancy and once your baby has arrived and how to apply for Child Benefit and Tax Credits. Women who work before and during pregnancy will be entitled to either Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance. If you meet the criteria (length or employment, hours etc) for statutory pay from your employer there is a minimum amount they must pay you for a minimum term. However if you're registered self-employed or have not been employed by the same company for long enough you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance. The www.direct.gov.uk sets out all this information and gives clear advice on maternity rights and benefits. Child Benefit Once your baby has arrived, you can claim Child Benefit, currently it is the only State benefit that's given to every family in the UK but there are changes on the way which will affect the amount paid to higher rate tax payers. Child Tax Credits Many UK families are eligible for additional financial assistance from the Government via Child Tax Credits. You can claim Child Tax Credits whether you’re in work or not. You are eligible as long as your family income is under a certain amount. You may also be able to get Tax Credits to help with the cost of childcare while you are working. Parents on a low income If you’re already claiming certain benefits you could qualify for a Sure Start Maternity Grant of £500 to help you with essential items for the baby. Single or widowed parents If you’re on your own you could be entitled to extra benefits so make sure you find out what help you can get for your own personal circumstances. As a single parent you could be entitled to a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill. If you're working, find out if your Tax Credits claim is affected. Ensure you make your claim straight away however, as claims cannot be backdated. Widowed parents who live alone may be able to claim Widowed Parents Allowance. The amount can be reduced depending on other benefits that you might be claiming such as Income Support. Free dental care & prescriptions You’ll qualify for free NHS dental treatment and NHS prescriptions throughout your pregnancy and for 12 months after your child is born. Children up to the age of 18 years old also receive free dental care and prescriptions if in full time education.