Government give pregnant women cash boost
14 April 2009
Cash boost for pregnant women
The government have created the Health in Pregnancy Grant, available since April 6.
The aim of the payment is to support the health of women in the last months of pregnancy. According to experts, good health in late pregnancy is important for the health and development of a child in later life.
A sum of £190 will be made available to every pregnant woman once they enter the 25th week of pregnancy following a consultation with a health professional, such as a midwife, who will advise them on their needs as well as those of their baby.
Once a pregnant woman has held the consultation and signed the necessary paperwork, the money will be paid directly into their bank or building society account. The grant will not be taxable and will be disregarded for the purpose of income-related benefits.
Kate Green, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: "The Health in Pregnancy Grant answers an important, and until now unmet, need for families expecting a child - the costs of raising a child hit parents' pockets weeks before a child is born as they make their home ready for the new arrival.
"The grant will particularly help the poorest children get a fair start in life, as their parents will be much better resourced to provide the care they need from the day they are born."