Help for new mums

Labour Parliamentary Candidate John Cowan urges new mums in South East Cambridgeshire to claim £190 help from Government

£190 cash boost for every new mum in South East Cambridgeshire

From today, mums will get tax-free payment from the Government to help if you're a mum-to-be who's at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called a 'Health in Pregnancy Grant'.

John Cowan Labour Parliamentary Candidate is today urging mums-to-be in South East Cambridgeshire to claim their £190. Women who are not yet 25 weeks into their pregnancy can register for a handy text or email reminder, so that they do not forget to claim their £190 when they get to 25 weeks.

68 000 women in our region will benefit from this extra support.

John Cowan said:

"Having a baby is an exciting time for mums and their families. Whether it's your first time or you're having another child there is lots of planning and preparation. From getting a pushchair to stocking up on nappies, there are bills to pay.

"To get the grant mums to be will need to get a claim form from their midwife or doctor. So I would urge mums to do this as soon as possible.

"I'm proud that children and families are at the heart of Labour’s policies, but especially so during these tough times. This cash boost will make a real difference to families in South East Cambridgeshire."

Notes for Editors

1. Who can get Health in Pregnancy Grant?

You can get the grant if all of the following apply:

you are 25 weeks pregnant or more your expected date of delivery is on or after 6 April 2009 you have been given health advice from a midwife or doctor

you may not get the grant if:

you are subject to immigration control or you are not present, ordinarily resident or have a right to reside in the UK

2. How much do you get?
The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It will not affect your tax credits or any other benefits. Everyone will get the same amount – you will not be asked about your income.

3. How do you claim?
Get a claim form from your midwife or doctor any time from 1 January 2009 onwards - as long as you're at least 25 weeks pregnant and your expected delivery date is on or after 6 April 2009. Your midwife or doctor must fill in their part of the form and sign it before giving it to you.

You will need to get your claim form to HMRC within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form - otherwise you may miss out on the grant.

You can get a free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim if you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet. This can be accessed at the following link www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/alerts.jsp