North Ayrshire and Arran MP Katy Clark has welcomed the Governments new ‘Health in Pregnancy Grant’.
As of April 2009, women in North Ayrshire and Arran who are at least 25 weeks pregnant will receive a one off tax free payment of £190. This will not affect tax credits or other benefits that the mum to be currently receives.
Katy said, “Pregnancy doesn’t come without considerable planning and cost. During this difficult economic time it is important as a Government to support families.
“This grant will provide a timely boost to go a small way to help anybody worried about the cost of a new baby. It will aid the planning process and help smooth the transaction from pregnancy to motherhood. I am pleased that the Labour Government is once again taking real action to help families as we continue to fight the economic downturn.”
A ‘Health in Pregnancy Grant’ claims form can be collected from your midwife or doctor and will need to be returned within 31 days of them signing it. If you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet then a reminder service, available through text messages or email, is in place to make it easier for claimants. You can sign up for the reminder service at www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/alerts.jsp.