Expecting, adopting or bringing up children
You may qualify for a range of benefits and support if you are expecting or adopting a child, or if you are bringing up children. Find out more about what you may be eligible for and how to claim.
Expecting or adopting a child
Statutory Maternity Pay
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) may be paid regularly by your employer so that you can take time off work before and after your baby is born.
Find out more, including eligibility and how to claim on the gov.uk Statutory Maternity Pay page.
Maternity Allowance
Maternity Allowance (MA) is a regular payment you may be able to get if you take time off work but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay from your employer.
Find out more, including eligibility and how to claim on the gov.uk Maternity Allowance page
Paternity Pay
Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay may be paid for up to two weeks by your employer so that you can take time off work after your partner has had a baby or adopted a child.
Find out more, including eligibility and how to claim on the gov.uk Paternity Pay page
Statutory Adoption Pay
Statutory Adoption Pay may be paid regularly by your employer so that you can take time off work when you adopt a child.
Find out more, including eligibility and how to claim on the gov.uk Statutory Adoption Pay page
Sure Start Maternity Grant
Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment you might get to help with the cost of baby things if you are getting certain benefits or tax credits.
Find out more, including eligibility and how to claim on the gov.uk Sure Start Maternity Grant page
Healthy Start
You may be able to get free milk; fruit, vegetables, infant formula and vitamins if you are getting certain benefits or tax credits and you are pregnant or have any children under four.
Find out more, including eligibility and how to claim on the NHS Healthy Start page
Health costs – maternity exemptions certificate
While you are pregnant and for the next 12 months, you can get free dental care and prescriptions.
Find out more, including eligibility and how to claim on the NHS Maternity Exemptions page
There is more useful information on money matters in the Money Advice Service’s guide to having a baby.