Maternity Benefits - What You are Entitled to if you Become Pregnant

There are several benefits you can claim directly if you become pregnant. There are also other 'incidental' benefits which you can claim for pregnancy and maternity.

Becoming pregnant, and subsequent maternity period, is stressful enough for partners with much upheaval in the normal life of the family. This is recognised, and help is at hand in the way of benefits to help you and your partner through this difficult time.

We outline the regulations for the various schemes as they stand/stood at 10th December 2009. We also make you aware of any changes that are in the pipeline that may affect your rights to benefits when you are pregnant.

• Maternity Allowance - MA. For those who do not qualify for Statutory maternity Pay.

• Statutory Maternity Pay If you are employed on a regular basis, then you will probably be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay from your Employer. SMP.

• The Health in Pregnancy Grant This is a one-off payment to help you with little health costs during prgnancy.

• Health in Pregnancy Grant for those who are servants of the crown, posted overseas.