Benefits for Pregnant Women and New Parents (2026)
1. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) vs. Maternity Allowance (MA)
Most working women get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from their employer.- Rate: 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03 (or 90% of your earnings if lower) for the next 33 weeks.
If you are self-employed or haven't worked for your employer long enough, you claim Maternity Allowance (MA) from the DWP.
- Rate: Up to £184.03 per week for 39 weeks.
2. The Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG)
This is a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby.- Eligibility: You must receive a "qualifying benefit" (like Universal Credit).
- The Rule: You usually only get this for your first child, unless you are expecting twins or triplets.
- Timing: You must claim between 11 weeks before the birth and 6 months after.
3. Healthy Start Vouchers
If you are pregnant or have a child under 4, and you are on Universal Credit, you are entitled to Healthy Start cards.- Value: £4.25 per week (or £8.50 per week for babies under 1).
- Use: Can be used for milk, fresh/frozen fruit and vegetables, and vitamins.
- How to get it: Apply online via the NHS Healthy Start website.
4. Child Benefit
Child Benefit is paid to anyone responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in education).- Rates: £25.60/week for the first child, £16.95/week for subsequent children.
- High Income Charge: If you or your partner earn over £60,000, you may have to pay some of this back via tax. If you earn over £80,000, the charge equals the benefit.
5. Universal Credit and Maternity
If you are on UC, your SMP or Maternity Allowance will be counted as income.- The Difference: SMP is treated as "earnings" (so the 55% taper applies). Maternity Allowance is treated as "unearned income" (so it is deducted £1-for-£1).
- Expert Strategy: Most women are better off on SMP than MA because of how the UC taper works.
6. Child Disability (DLA for Babies)
You can claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for a baby from the age of 3 months (or from birth if they are terminally ill).- If your baby needs significantly more care or supervision than a healthy baby of the same age (e.g. due to heart conditions, feeding tubes, or severe allergies), you should apply.
- The Bonus: Getting DLA for a baby unlocks an extra £156 to £487 per month in your Universal Credit award.