What benefits can I claim if I am pregnant?
If you are an employee who meets continuity and earnings tests, Statutory Maternity Pay comes from your employer — there is no DWP form for SMP itself. If you cannot get SMP, Maternity Allowance is the DWP payment, claimed with the MA1 form on GOV.UK.
Healthy Start (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) or Best Start Foods (Scotland) can help with food and milk if you get a qualifying benefit. In Scotland, Best Start Grant includes a Pregnancy and Baby Payment, which replaced Sure Start Maternity Grant for people living there.
Benefits this usually points to
Statutory Maternity Pay
A legal payment from your employer for up to 39 weeks if you are an employee and you meet continuity of employment and average-earnings tests. It is not claimed from DWP.
Maternity Allowance
A payment for 39 weeks if you are employed or self-employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer.
Healthy Start
Help to buy milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins if you are pregnant or have a child under 4 and you get certain benefits. Scotland has Best Start Foods instead.
Best Start Foods
A Scottish prepaid card to help with the cost of milk, infant formula, fruit and vegetables during pregnancy and for children under 3, if you get certain benefits.
Best Start Grant
Three Scottish one-off payments around pregnancy and a child’s early years if you get a qualifying benefit: Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment, and School Age Payment. Separate from Best Start Foods.
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work. It can include amounts for housing, children, disability, and caring.
Child Benefit
A regular payment to help with the cost of bringing up a child. It is usually paid if you are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Check what may apply in your circumstances
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
Universal Credit and Child Benefit
You can claim Universal Credit while pregnant if you meet the usual rules. Child Benefit is claimed after the child is born, from GOV.UK. Do not wait for a paid “baby grant” website — the official routes are free.
Other circumstances
- What benefits can I claim if I have a disability?
- What benefits can I claim as a carer?
- What benefits can I claim over State Pension age?
- What benefits can I claim on a low income?
- What benefits can I claim if I am unemployed?
- What benefits can I claim as a single parent?
- What benefits can I claim if I rent?
- What benefits can I claim if I am self-employed?
This is independent guidance. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility. How we source and verify.