Government Benefits and Payments

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Health In Pregnancy Grant

The Health in Pregnancy Grant (HIPG) is a  one-off payment of £190 for every mother-to-be. The grant can be claimed at any point between the 25th week of pregnancy and the due date of birth. Your midwife or doctor will be able to give you a claim form.  Read more about the Health in Pregnancy Grant or call the information helpline on 0845 366 7885.

Child Benefit

A child benefit payment is a tax free sum of money available to everyone who is responsible for bringing up a child.  Learn more About Child Benefits or call the advice helpline on 0845 302 1444.

Child Trust Fund

A Child Trust Fund is an entitlement for every child born and living in the UK. If your child is awarded Child Benefit, they’ll automatically receive a £250 voucher to start the account. This will then be topped up with an additional £250 when the child reaches the age of 7 and is held in the account of your choice until the child turns 18. (Families on lower incomes receive a further £250 top-up at each stage).  Find further information on a Child Trust Fund, or call the helpline on 0845 302 1470.

Child Tax Credit

A top-up for families with a household income of less than £66,000, or less than £58,000 after the child’s first birthday. Find more Information on Child Tax Credits or call the helpline on 0845 300 3900.

It’s worth taking a look at these too 

• New mothers are entitled to free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment for a period of 12 months after giving birth to your child. Children can also get free NHS prescriptions until they’re 16. To receive an Exemption Certificate ask for a form at your doctor’s surgery. 
• If you’re on a low income you may be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant. The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment to help you cope with the costs of a new baby and must be claimed within 3 months of having your baby. Sure Start claim forms are available from Jobcentre Plus. 
• If you’re a new mum aged 16 or over and are not available for work (as a single parent for example) you can claim income support to help with day-to-day living costs. For further information or to find out if you are elegible to claim income support you can phone Jobcentre Plus directly on 0800 055 6688 
• If you’re under the age of 20 and want to continue education or return to learning then you could receive help with your childcare and travel costs through the Care to Learn Scheme. You may also be able to claim Education Maintenance Allowance. For more information on the Care to Learn scheme contact 0845 600 7979 or visit DirectGov Care to Learn. 
• Healthy Start provides eligible families with weekly vouchers which can be spent on essentials such as milk, fresh fruit & vegetables and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamin supplements for both yourself and your baby. To find out if you qualify for Healthy Start or for more information call the helpline on 0845 607 6823 or visit NHS Healthystart.

Find out more about entitlements available from Direct.Gov.
Remember, don’t forget to check what you’re entitled to. 

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MyEggNest's Recommendations Alternatives to CTFs - Tax-Exempt Savings Plans Did you know there are alternatives to the CTF that offer the same tax-free savings? Tax-Exempt Savings Plans (TESPs) can help you build up a lump sum for your child through small, regular payments. Your fund grows free from any income or capital gains tax, and can be used to save for children of all ages. Click here for more information about TESPs, and specific plans offered by friendly societies.

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