Every month, around 65,000 women in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland celebrate the birth of a new child.

And now there’s another reason for mums-to-be to celebrate. From this April, they’ll be able to claim a new one-off, tax-free payment of £190. This payment – called the Health in Pregnancy Grant – will help pregnant women stay fit and healthy in the run up to the birth and help meet some of the extra costs as the big day approaches.

Mums have told us that the costs and stresses of expecting can really mount up in the final weeks of pregnancy. That’s why every mum-to-be will get this new grant, as long as they receive health advice from a midwife or GP. We know that most people already do get this advice, but we hope this will encourage the small number of pregnant women who are still not getting that vital help to seek it out.

What’s more, we have made it as easy as possible to make a claim. All mums-to-be can ask for a claim form from their midwife at their first antenatal appointment after the 25th week of pregnancy. All they need to do is return the completed form to HM Revenue & Customs within 31 days and HMRC will then pay the money directly into their bank or building society accounts. And it is entirely up to the mum-to-be how the money is spent.

So, if you’re expecting a baby on or after 6 April 2009, make sure you don’t miss out – please do get that health advice and make your claim. And, most importantly, I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy and a joyful new arrival.

Q & A’s

What is the grant?
It’s a one-off payment of £190.

When does it start?
It is payable from 6 April 2009. Women who are expecting their babies on or after the 6 April can make their claim now. All pregnant women who receive a claim form should send it in as soon as possible - babies can sometimes arrive early and the grant is not available after the birth.

What’s it for?
Mums-to-be can spend the money how they choose. Not all pregnant women’s needs are the same, and the grant will allow women the opportunity to focus on their own needs.

Who can get it?
All expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in the UK and who, once they reach the 25th week of their pregnancy, have received the necessary health advice from a midwife or doctor. The grant is payable to all women irrespective of their income. It is not taxable and will not affect any other benefit such as tax credits, Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance.

How do you claim?
It is very straightforward. The mum-to-be can get a claim form from their midwife or doctor when attending their first antenatal appointment after their 25th week of pregnancy. The midwife or doctor fills in their part of the form and the mum-to-be fills in her bit, and sends it off. It should be sent to HMRC within 31 days of the date on the form.

How is the grant paid?
HMRC will pay the grant directly into the bank or building society of the mum-to-be within seven days of her receiving notice that her claim has been successful.

Where can I get more info?
You can listen to a free podcast – download it at www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts/ – or visit www.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be or call the helpline on 0845 366 7885.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY – STEPHEN TIMMS