Cherubs Yoga | Pregnancy Yoga Essex | HypnoBirthing Essex | Yoga Essex

I've included information about this grant on my website because of the government's intention behind the initiative.

The government wants to ensure that you have the means to keep yourself as healthy as you would like to be in the latter stages of your pregnancy as you prepare for the birth.

The fact is that a healthy approach to your life is desirable even before you conceive. Getting regular exercise, sleeping well, drinking plenty of water and eating good quality natural food will all better prepare you for your pregnancy.

One aim of this grant is to enable you to buy the quality of food and supplements that you might want, but not normally be able to afford. Knowing that you would definitely be getting the grant at a later stage in your pregnancy would give you the option to make any changes now.

I believe that the "Health in Pregnancy Grant" (HIPG) also gives some women the opportunity to try a complementary therapy during their pregnancy that might have proved too costly otherwise.

As well as prenatal yoga I would strongly recommend HypnoBirthing.

Ensure that you find a fully qualified, registered and insured instructor in both cases.

Don't forget to claim your grant!

Q&A

What is the grant?
Since April 2009 the Health in Pregnancy Grant has been available to mums-to-be who are at least 25 weeks' pregnant. The grant consists of a one-off, tax-free payment from HM Revenue and Customs. It is designed to offer some financial help in the run up to the birth of your baby.

Who can claim?
To qualify for the grant you will need to be 25 weeks' pregnant or more. You will also need to have received health advice from a midwife or doctor. The grant may not apply to those subject to immigration control or are not present or resident in the UK.

How much will I get?
Each claimant will receive £190 for each of their pregnancies. This payment does not affect other benefits such as tax credits or child benefit. The grant is not dependent on income - it is available to everyone.

How to claim
Your midwife or GP will be able to provide you with a claim form as long as you meet the above criteria. The form must be signed by the midwife or doctor and sent to the HMRC within 31 days from the date of that signature.

How will I receive my grant?
You will provide the HMRC with your bank or building society details so that the grant can be paid direct to your account.

Official HMRC Podcast
H M Revenue & Customs have issued an official podcast that explains the aims of the grant as well as answering some popular questions. Listen to the official HMRC podcast here.

Find out more...
You can find out more about the new grant on the Directgov website. The site also has details of other maternity and parental benefits, such as child tax credits, child benefit and child trust fund.