Health in Pregnancy GrantFrom April 2009, almost every pregnant woman will be entitled to a Health in Pregnancy Grant (HiPG), administered by HM Revenue and Customs. HiPG is a payment available to pregnant women between the 25th week of pregnancy and their expected date of delivery. Payment of the grant does not depend on household income. It's expected to be a tax-free payment of £190, paid directly to the pregnant woman with the aim of providing financial help to:
A midwife or doctor will be required to sign the claim form, and so will have a key role in ensuring women have the opportunity to access the grant. Forms will be supplied to registered midwives and doctors. However, other healthcare professionals, such as health visitors and nurses, may well be asked questions about the grant, so it is important that all healthcare professionals understand how it works. If you are a mum-to-be, more information on the grant will available from January 2009. Pregnant women whose expected delivery date is on or after 6th April 2009, will be able to make a claim from their 25th week of pregnancy. Eligible pregnant women sending claims before 6th April 2009 should note that payments will not be received until the end of April. To help prepare healthcare professionals for the arrival of the new grant, HM Revenue & Customs has produced a toolkit of resources, in partnership with the Royal College of Midwives. This includes a quick-reference guide detailing how the grant can be claimed, as well as providing answers to questions that pregnant women might ask about the grant. For further information please visit www.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be. Will the Grant work?Some charities welcomed the idea but warned it may not be effective. Babies most in need of support are those born before 29 weeks. Apparently there is no measure to ensure the cash is spent on healthy food and babies also need good nutrition before 29 weeks. The grant's aim is to cut infant mortality and close the health inequality gap. We already know from experts that poverty and nutrition play a role in pregnancy health, and it can be difficult to eat healthily when on the breadline. Women on a poor diet during pregnancy are more likely to have low birthweight babies. That increases their baby's risk of poor health during childhood and during their adult life. Mums-to-be on low incomes can already apply for a £500 grant from 29 weeks of pregnancy to help towards the cost of having a new baby. The Health in Pregnancy Grant would not be means-tested. To get the payment, however, a woman would have to meet with a health professional for tips on pregnancy health and welfare advice.
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