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Managing your finances is an essential part of preparing for parenthood, and many people are eligible for some financial support or benefits during pregnancy.
Sure Start Maternity Grant (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off lump sum to help you with the cost of having your first baby, such as buying a cot and pram.
How much is it?
£500 one-off payment
Who’s eligible?
You may be eligible for this benefit during pregnancy if:
- You are pregnant and have proof, such as a MAT B1 form.
- You have no other children
- If you are expecting more than one baby, or you are a refugee or from Ukraine or Afghanistan, you may be eligible regardless of if you already have children.
- You or your partner receive a qualifying benefit, including Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA or income-related ESA.
Best Start Grant (Scotland)
Best Start Grant is money available to people living in Scotland to help with the cost of having a child.
There are three different grants depending on the age of your child. If you are pregnant, you can qualify for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment once you are 24 weeks along.
Once your child is born, you may also be eligible for Scottish Child Payment, which is £27 a week.
How much is it?
For the tax year 2025/26, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment benefit is a lump sum of £767.50 for your first child and £383.75 for any subsequent children.
You may be eligible for the higher sum for a child that isn’t your first if you meet certain criteria. You also get more for twins.
Who is eligible?
- You are pregnant and/or will be the main person looking after an eligible child.
- You receive certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based JSA or income-related ESA.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit supports people on low income with the day-to-day costs of living, which will inevitably be higher when you have a baby.
How much is it?
Universal Credit is between £316.98 and £628.10 a month (for the tax year 2025/26), depending on your age and if you live with a partner.
Once your baby is born, you will get an additional £339 a month for your first child.
Who’s eligible?
You may be eligible for this benefit during pregnancy if:
- You are aged over 18
- You are on low income, unemployed or unable to work
- You have less than £16,000 in savings and investments
Healthy Start (or Best Start Foods for Scotland)
Healthy Start is a scheme that lets you get milk, baby formula, fruit, vegetables, pulses and vitamin tablets for free.
It’s to support you to nourish your baby (and yourself) during pregnancy and beyond. You can continue to use Healthy Start until your child is four.
Scotland has a very similar scheme called Health Foods, which you can use until your child is three.
How much is it?
Healthy Start is £4.25 per week while you’re pregnant, £8.50 per week for children aged under a year, and £4.25 per week for children aged one to four.
Who is eligible?
- You are pregnant or have a young child.
- You receive certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based JSA or income-related ESA.
Maternity Pay
Statutory Maternity Pay is the legal minimum amount you must be paid while on maternity leave. It’s included on this list because you can start your leave while you are still pregnant, up to 11 weeks before your baby’s due date.
Your employer might offer more generous pay while you’re on Maternity Leave.
How much is it?
The 2025/26 rate for Statutory Maternity Pay is 90% of your usual earnings for the first six weeks, then either £187.18 a week or 90% of your usual earnings, whichever is lower.
Who is eligible?
- You are employed and have been at your current employment for at least six months.
- You are pregnant and can provide proof, such as a MAT B1 form.
Maternity Allowance
If you are employed but not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance instead. As with Maternity Pay, you can start claiming it up to 11 weeks before your due date.
How much is it?
If you are employed or only recently stopped working, the rate for Maternity Allowance is the same as the rate for Statutory Maternity Pay, £187.18 a week.
If you are self-employed, you can get between £27 and £187.18 a week, depending on your National Insurance contributions.
Who is eligible?
- You’re employed and earning at least £30 a week but don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay
- You’re self-employed
- You recently stopped working
Free dental care and prescriptions
You are eligible for free essential dental care and prescriptions while you are pregnant and for up to a year postpartum.
To claim, you must have a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate. Your doctor, midwife or health visitor can apply for this for you.
You don’t need to be on any benefits during pregnancy to get free dental care and prescriptions.
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