£190 cash boost for every new mum in our community

Having a baby is an exciting time for mums and their families. Whether it's your first time or you're having another child there is loads of planning to do and things to get sorted. And from getting a pushchair to stocking up on nappies, there are bills to pay. 

During the tough times we're facing at the moment I've supported the Government's action to give real help now to help families.  As part of this help we are giving a cash boost of £190 that mums to be can claim.

From April 2009, mums will get tax-free payment from the Government to help if
you're a mum-to-be who's at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called 'Health in Pregnancy Grant'.

The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy.

It won't make any difference to tax credits or any other benefits and every mum in Glasgow North will get the same amount.  

The payment will go directly into bank or building society accounts from April 2009 onwards.

To get the grant mums to be will need to get a claim form from their midwife or doctor.

Make sure your midwife or doctor fills in their part of the form and signs it before giving it back to you. 

You will then need to send your form back within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form.

With a lot going on it's important to remember to get this all sorted.  To make it easier you can get a free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim if you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet. To sign-up for the reminder service go to  www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/alerts.jsp

I'm proud that children and families are at the heart of Labour’s policies, but especially so during these tough times.  This cash boost will make a real difference to families in Glasgow North.