Benefits You Can Claim During Maternity Leave: Complete UK Guide

Benefits You Can Claim During Maternity Leave

Taking maternity leave often means a significant drop in household income. Fortunately, the UK benefits system provides several forms of support for new and expectant parents. This guide covers every benefit you may be entitled to during pregnancy and maternity leave.

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is the most widely claimed family benefit and is available to all parents regardless of income. For 2026/27:

•First child: £27.05 per week (£1,406.60/year)

•Each additional child: £17.90 per week (£930.80/year)

Claim as soon as your baby is born. It can only be backdated 3 months, so don't delay. Even if the higher earner in your household earns over £60,000, you should still register to protect your National Insurance record.

Use our Child Benefit Calculator to see your exact entitlement including any High Income Charge.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that can provide significant support during maternity leave, especially when your income drops to SMP levels. It can help with:

•Standard allowance: Up to £393.45/month (single, over 25) or £617.60/month (couple)

•Child element: Up to £287.92/month per child (first and second child)

•Housing costs: Help with rent payments

•Childcare element: Up to 85% of childcare costs (capped at £1,014.63/month for one child)

Does SMP Count as Income?

Yes — both SMP and Maternity Allowance are counted as income for Universal Credit purposes. However, because your maternity pay is lower than your normal salary, you may still qualify for UC or receive a higher payment than usual.

You can use the government's benefits calculator to estimate your entitlement.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

The Sure Start Maternity Grant provides a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby. You may qualify if:

•You or your partner receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, etc.)

•You're expecting your first child (or in some cases, additional children)

•You claim within 11 weeks of the due date or 6 months after the birth

The grant doesn't need to be repaid and can be spent on anything you need for your baby.

Healthy Start Vouchers

If you're on certain benefits, you can get Healthy Start vouchers to help with the cost of food:

•Pregnant women: £4.25 per week

•Babies under 1: £8.50 per week

•Children aged 1-4: £4.25 per week

Vouchers can be spent on milk, fruit, vegetables, infant formula, and vitamins at participating shops.

Tax-Free Childcare

When you return to work and need childcare, you may be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare:

•The government tops up your childcare payments by 25%, up to £2,000/year per child

•Available for children up to age 11 (17 if disabled)

•Both parents must normally be working (or on maternity leave)

•You cannot claim Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare support at the same time — check which is more beneficial

Free Prescriptions and Dental Care

All pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and dental care. This continues for 12 months after your baby is born. You'll need a maternity exemption certificate — ask your midwife or GP for form FW8.

Council Tax Reduction

If your household income drops during maternity leave, you may qualify for a reduction in your Council Tax. The rules vary by local authority, so contact your council directly to check.

Housing Benefit / Universal Credit Housing Element

If you're renting and your income drops during maternity leave, you may qualify for help with your rent through:

•Universal Credit housing element (if you're claiming UC)

•Housing Benefit (if you haven't moved to UC yet)

Working Tax Credit / Child Tax Credit

If you're still receiving Tax Credits (rather than Universal Credit), your payments may increase during maternity leave due to your reduced income. Report your change in circumstances to HMRC.

Free School Meals and Early Years Funding

Looking ahead, low-income families may qualify for:

•15 hours free childcare from age 2 (30 hours from age 3 for working parents)

•Free school meals for eligible families

Employer Benefits During Maternity Leave

Don't forget to check what your employer provides:

•Enhanced maternity pay above SMP

•Company benefits that continue during leave (private health, life insurance)

•Pension contributions — your employer must continue contributing during paid leave

•Annual leave accrual — you keep building holiday

Learn more about your rights in our maternity leave rights guide.

How to Claim

1.Child Benefit: Online or by post using form CH2 after the birth

2.Universal Credit: Apply online at GOV.UK

3.Sure Start Grant: Claim using form SF100 from Jobcentre Plus

4.Healthy Start: Apply online at healthystart.nhs.uk

5.Tax-Free Childcare: Apply through the government's childcare service

6.Council Tax Reduction: Contact your local council directly

Calculate Your Full Maternity Income

Understanding all your income sources helps you budget effectively:

•Maternity Pay Calculator — your SMP entitlement

•Maternity Allowance Calculator — if you don't qualify for SMP

•Child Benefit Calculator — your benefit amount

•Financial planning guide — complete budgeting strategies