Universal Credit and Pregnancy
Pregnancy can affect your Universal Credit claim in several important ways — from changes to your work-related requirements to additional financial support you may become entitled to. Understanding what to report and when means you do not miss out on money you are owed.
Reporting Your Pregnancy to Universal Credit
You should tell Universal Credit you are pregnant as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. You can report this through your online journal in your Universal Credit account. Once you have reported your pregnancy, your work coach will review your work-related requirements. In the later stages of pregnancy — usually from around 29 weeks — you are not expected to look for work or meet job-seeking conditions.
Reporting early also means you may be referred to local support services, including health visitors and the Healthy Start scheme (which provides vouchers for fruit, vegetables, pulses, and milk if you are on certain benefits and are at least 10 weeks pregnant).
How Universal Credit Changes During Pregnancy
Your standard allowance does not automatically increase just because you are pregnant, but your commitments will change:
- Work search requirements ease as your pregnancy progresses. From 29 weeks you are generally treated as having limited capability for work-related activity, meaning you will not be required to apply for jobs or attend the job centre regularly.
- Healthy Start vouchers — if you qualify (broadly, those on Universal Credit who are pregnant or have a child under four), you receive a prepaid card loaded with a set weekly amount to spend on fruit, vegetables, pulses, and plain cow's milk. You can apply via the NHS Healthy Start website.
- Maternity Allowance — if you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (for example, because you are self-employed or have not been with an employer long enough), you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead. This is a separate benefit paid by the DWP for up to 39 weeks.
After Your Baby Is Born
Once your baby arrives, report the birth in your Universal Credit journal as soon as possible. Your award will be updated to include a child element for your new baby. You may also qualify for the Sure Start Maternity Grant — a one-off payment of £500 from the Social Fund for families on certain benefits who are expecting their first child (or having multiple births). Apply on form SF100, available from GOV.UK or your local Jobcentre Plus.
If you were receiving childcare cost support through Universal Credit before your baby arrived, your entitlement may change once your maternity leave ends and you return to work.
Other Financial Support to Be Aware Of
- Child Benefit — claim this as soon as your baby is born. It is separate from Universal Credit and paid to the person responsible for the child.
- Free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment — once you have your Maternity Exemption Certificate (MATEX), all NHS prescriptions and dental check-ups are free throughout pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth.
- Council Tax reduction — if you are on a low income, your local council may offer a reduction. A new baby does not automatically trigger this but it is worth checking your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell Universal Credit I am pregnant?
Yes — report your pregnancy in your online journal as soon as you are ready. This can reduce your work-related requirements and may make you eligible for Healthy Start vouchers and other support. There is no advantage to waiting.
Does Universal Credit increase when you have a baby?
Your award will increase because a child element is added to your Universal Credit payment once you report the birth. The exact amount depends on whether this is your first or subsequent child and your wider household circumstances. Report the birth promptly so payments are updated without delay. You may also qualify for the one-off Sure Start Maternity Grant if you are expecting your first child.
What is the Healthy Start scheme and do I qualify?
Healthy Start is an NHS scheme that provides a prepaid card loaded weekly with an amount to spend on fruit, vegetables, pulses, and plain milk. You generally qualify if you are pregnant and receiving Universal Credit (or certain other means-tested benefits), or if you are under 18 and pregnant. Apply at the NHS Healthy Start website — your midwife can also help you with the application.
Speak to your midwife, GP, or a benefits adviser for personalised guidance on your specific circumstances.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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