Need a bit of advice on benefits...

[twiggy56]

Im 20 years old, and nearly 15 weeks pregnant with my first. I dont live with the FOB but hope to in the future. Im currently on JSA and will be until 29 weeks (so around 14 weeks time) when i will be transfered onto income support.

Which grants am i entitled to? Iv heard about the SureStart and Healthy Start? (i think?). What point in the pregnancy do i need to apply for these and where do i apply?! Can i do it online?!

Also is there anyone who knows if i am entitled to Council Tax help or anything of the sorts?

Thank you for your help, its very much appreciated!!

 

[MummyJo]

It obviously depends very much on your personal situation but with the information you've given I'd say you'll be entitled to:

Healthy eating vouchers (£3.10 a week voucher than can be spent on milk, fruit and veg) - You'll need to ask your midwife for a form [Have to say I'm not totally sure of your entitlement to this as it also depends on other factors.)
Healthy Eating Grant (£190) - All women are entitled to this. Your midwife will fill the forms with you at (around) 25 weeks. (You can only get the form from your midwife or doctor)

Sure Start Maternity Grant - £500 - You won't be eligible to get this until you are actually getting income support I believe and can't apply for it until you are 29 weeks pregnant anyway. You can download and print off the form from the gov website or go in to your nearest jobcenter and they'll give you a form.

Hope that helps a bit!

 

[DizzyMoo]

Hiya hun you will be entitled to what mummyjo said, but you don't mention if you live alone currently or with family. If you live alone you should also be entitled to some of your rent & council tax paid. You might have to pay some towards it until baby arrives, Diff councils work differently.

The hip grant (£190) can be claimed from 25wks pregnant, you should get a form from your midwife/doc when you have an appointment sometime after 25wks.

The sure start grant (£500) can be claimed from 29wks again a form is given from midwife/doc.

The healthy start vouchers are paid once you are 11-12wks pregnant, the form can be collected from midwife or i think job centre? You can check the website though for more info. You will get 1 voucher a week for £3.10, then 2 vouchers a wk when bump is born until he/she turns 12mth then it drops back down to 1 per wk until they hit 4.

HTH x

 

[twiggy56]

Thanks both MummyJo and DizzyMoo!

I just wasnt sure if i should be applying for stuff now at this stage. But if most of its in weeks 25-30 then thats good! At least now i know my deadlines!

I was going to see if there was some benefit advice line i could fone and tell them my details and they can tell you what you qualify for?

Il be applying for the HIP and the SureStart i think as iv looked on the govt website and i think i am entitled to them!

Again thank you very much for your responses, much appreciated!! xxx

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

There is a government benefit advice line which tells you exactly what you're entitled to. I can't remember the number though, i think it starts 0845. If you can wait a couple of days i'll get the number for you. xx

 

[twiggy56]

il have a quick search for it on govt website!

thanks hun! xxxx