Free Baby Stuff from the Government: Everything You can Claim

Free Baby Stuff from the Government: Everything You can Claim

Are you a parent-to-be or already have a little one at home? Either way, you’re probably aware that raising a child can be expensive. But did you know that the government offers some free stuff to help you out? That’s right! From Healthy Start vouchers to the Sure Start Maternity Grant, there are several benefits you can claim.

In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about these benefits. We’ll explain what they are, who’s eligible, and how to apply. So, whether you’re expecting your first child or adding to your family, read on to find out how you can make the most of these government offerings.

Key Takeaways

• Get Vouchers for Essential Foods: If you’re pregnant or have a young child, you may be eligible for vouchers to buy milk, fruit, and vegetables through the Healthy Start Scheme.
• Claim a £500 Maternity Grant: The Sure Start Maternity Grant offers a one-time payment to help with new child expenses, available for qualifying parents.
• Enjoy Free Prescriptions and Dental Care: Pregnant women and new mothers can save on healthcare costs with free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment for up to a year after birth.

Healthy Start Scheme

The Healthy Start Scheme is a fantastic initiative for those who are pregnant or have children under the age of four. This scheme provides vouchers that can be used to buy basic foods like milk, fruit, and vegetables, as well as infant formula milk, allowing you to buy healthy food such as fresh vegetables and plain cow’s milk. It’s a great way to ensure your little one gets all the nutrients they need.

But how do you know if you’re eligible? Well, you may qualify for Healthy Start if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old and you or your family receive certain benefits. Additionally, it’s important to check if you are eligible to claim public funds based on your immigration status, as this can affect your qualification for the scheme.

Here’s how to claim your Healthy Start Vouchers:

1. Check Eligibility: You qualify for the Healthy Start scheme if you meet all the following: you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant, or you have at least one child that’s under four. In addition, you must be receiving any of the following: Child tax credit (only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less), Income support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
2. Claim Process: You can apply for the scheme on the NHS website or via email at healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. You can also apply over the phone by calling 0300 330 7010.
3. Submission: Once you’ve filled out the form, you need to submit it online. If you cannot claim online, you can claim by phone through the Healthy Start helpline.
4. Response Time: After you’ve sent your claim, it can take up to 5 weeks to process. You’ll be sent an award notice telling you how much you’ll get.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 from the government is designed to help towards the costs of having a child.

So, who qualifies for this grant? You’re usually eligible if you’re expecting your first child or you’re expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already. Additionally, you or your partner must already be receiving certain benefits.

Here’s how to claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant:

1. Check Eligibility: You’re usually eligible if you’re expecting your first child or you’re expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already. Additionally, you or your partner must already be receiving certain benefits.
2. Claim Timing: You can claim from 11 weeks before the week your baby is due. The latest you can claim is 6 months after your baby is born.
3. Claim Form: Print out and fill in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form.
4. Evidence of Pregnancy or Childbirth: You also need to provide evidence of the pregnancy or childbirth from a health professional (such as a doctor or midwife). They can either fill in a form MAT B1 (they should have a copy of the form already) or write a statement confirming the pregnancy or childbirth.
5. Submission: Post your SF100 form with the evidence of the pregnancy or childbirth to ‘Freepost DWP SSMG’. You do not need a postcode or a stamp.
6. Without Evidence: You can send your form without the evidence of the pregnancy or childbirth if necessary to meet the deadline. If you do this, you’ll be contacted about arranging this evidence at a later date.
7. Response Time: You will get a letter about whether your claim is successful within 28 days of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receiving your form and evidence.
8. Help with Claim: If you need help with your claim, you can call the Sure Start Maternity Grant helpline.

Free NHS Prescriptions & Dental Treatment

When you’re expecting a baby, your health is paramount. That’s why the NHS offers free prescriptions and dental treatment during pregnancy and for twelve months after. This can be a significant saving, considering the cost of medications and dental care.

Here’s how you can claim your Free NHS Prescriptions & Dental Treatment:

1. Maternity Exemption Certificate: Speak to your midwife, doctor or health visitor about applying for your maternity exemption certificate. This certificate entitles you to free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment.
2. Application Process: Your healthcare professional will need to fill out the FW8 application form for you. They’ll sign the form to confirm your pregnancy.
3. Receive Your Certificate: Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive a maternity exemption certificate. This certificate will last until 12 months after your due date. If your baby is born later than expected, you can extend the period of exemption.
4. Using Your Certificate: Present your certificate when you go to the pharmacy or the dentist. You won’t have to pay for your prescriptions or NHS dental treatment.

Child Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit is a benefit designed to help people with the costs of raising a child. This benefit is not just for those who are working, but also for those who are not. It’s a great way to get some extra financial support if you’re responsible for a child or young person.

Here’s how you can claim the Child Tax Credit:

1. Check Eligibility: You can only make a claim for Child Tax Credit if you already get Working Tax Credit. If you cannot apply for Child Tax Credit, you can apply for Universal Credit instead. When applying for Child Tax Credit, ensure the details provided match those in your Universal Credit account, especially if making a ‘universal credit claim’.
2. What You’ll Get: The amount you can get depends on how many children you’ve got and whether you’re making a new claim for Child Tax Credit or already claiming Child Tax Credit. For example, if you’re responsible for any children or young people born before 6 April 2017, you can get up to £3,780 a year in child tax credits for your first child and up to £3,235 a year for each of your other children until they turn 16.
3. Claim Process: To claim the Child Tax Credit, you need to fill out a claim form. You can get this form from the Jobcentre Plus or the Tax Credit Helpline.
4. Submission: Once you’ve filled out the form, you need to send it to the Tax Credit Office. The address is on the form.
5. Response Time: After you’ve sent your claim, it can take up to 5 weeks to process. You’ll be sent an award notice telling you how much you’ll get.

Free Vitamins

In addition to the grants and benefits we’ve already discussed, pregnant women and new mothers can also claim free vitamins. This is part of the government’s effort to ensure that mothers and babies have a healthy start.

Here’s how you can claim your free vitamins:

1. Check Eligibility: You’re eligible for free vitamins if you’re pregnant or have a child under four years old and you’re receiving benefits related to income or if you’re under 18.
2. What You’ll Get: The vitamins provided are specifically designed for pregnant women and children. They contain Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and folic acid for pregnant women, and Vitamins A, C, and D for children.
3. Claim Process: To claim your free vitamins, you need to contact your midwife or health visitor. They can provide you with your free vitamins and give you advice on how to take them.

Final Thoughts

Raising a child can be financially challenging. However, the UK government offers several benefits to help ease this burden. From the Healthy Start Scheme and Sure Start Maternity Grant to Child Tax Credit and Free NHS Prescriptions & Dental Treatment there are numerous ways you can receive financial support.

Every bit of support counts. So, don’t hesitate to claim the benefits you’re entitled to. These benefits are there to ensure that every child gets a healthy start in life.

We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the various government benefits available to you.