The two main benefits available to expectant mothers working before or during their pregnancy are:
- Statutory Maternity Pay
- Maternity Allowance
Which of these you may be entitled to depends on how long you were working and whether this was for the same or different employers.
Check if you can get maternity or paternity leave or pay, or Maternity Allowance
Sure Start
If you’re an expectant or new parent who gets some means tested benefits, you may be able to claim a Sure Start Maternity Grant of £500.
Find out more about maternity grants
Free prescriptions and NHS dental care in pregnancy
NHS dental care is free in the UK while you’re pregnant and for a year after your baby is born.
Prescriptions are free while you’re pregnant and for a year after the birth if you have a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx). This could save you £9.35 (2022 to 23) on each prescription.
