If you are pregnant or have a baby you may be entitled to cash and health benefits.

You will probably have to fill out some forms to claim many of the benefits on this page, but you can get these from your local Job Centre Plus. If you can’t visit the job centre, most of the forms can also be found on the internet.

If you aren’t sure whether you can claim these benefits, it is always good to check by either looking up more information on websites, through your benefits office, your Connexions personal advisor or your social worker.

Universal benefits: for all mothers

  • Child benefit
  • Free prescriptions
  • Free dental treatment

Health benefits: for people with a low income

  • Free milk
  • Cheap formula milk
  • Free vitamins
  • Help with hospital fares

Tax credits: for people in work or bringing up children

  • Child tax credit
  • Working tax credit
  • Childcare element

Means tested benefits: For people with low incomes

  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income support
  • £500 Maternity grant
  • Community Care Grant
  • Social fund loans
  • Housing benefit
  • Help with mortgage
  • Council tax benefit

Education

Apply to Care to Learn for up to £5125 worth of childcare fees. A universal service for all young people which will not affect any of your other benefits.


If you are 16 years old, pregnant and still living with your parents you are not entitled to anything in your own right. However, your parents may qualify for benefits such as:

  • Milk tokens
  • Job seekers allowance
  • Sure start maternity grant
  • Housing benefits
  • Work or child tax credits - depending on their situation