Financial planning for a baby
Our free online tool is a simple timeline that helps soon-to-be parents and new parents get ready for the costs of having and raising a baby in the early years.
Just tell us your due date, and we’ll tell you when you should:
- think about maternity and paternity applications
- claim your free NHS prescriptions and dental care
- be able to take paid time off
- start claiming allowances and grants.
And all the other important financial milestones you’ll want to be ready for when it comes to preparing for your new baby.
You can even add the dates to your own calendar.
What is financial planning for a baby?
If you’re expecting or planning to have a baby, our tool can help you get ready financially.
This tool shows you what baby-related costs to expect, what benefits you can claim and when they usually happen, so you won’t be caught off guard. You’ll feel more confident and in control as you welcome your new baby.
How do I use the financial planning for a baby tool?
Just tell us your baby’s due date, and we’ll tell you when to:
think about maternity and paternity applications
claim your free NHS prescriptions and dental care
take paid time off
start claiming allowances and grants.
And all the other important financial milestones you’ll want to be ready for when it comes to preparing for your new baby.
You can even add the dates to your own calendar.
Financial planning for a baby FAQs
What does the maternity exemption certificate cover?
A maternity exemption certificate gives you free NHS prescriptions and dental care during pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby is born.
Dental care
NHS dental care is free across the UK while you’re pregnant and for the 12 months after your baby is born.
Prescriptions
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone.
- In England, prescriptions are free for you during pregnancy and for one year after your baby is born. But you’ll need a valid maternity exemption certificate to get them free after birth.
Find out more in our guide Free prescriptions and NHS dental care in pregnancy and after childbirth.
What is a Sure Start Maternity Grant?
It’s a one-off £500 payment to help with the costs of a new baby. You don’t have to pay it back, but you must be receiving certain benefits (like Universal Credit) to qualify. It’s available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
If you live in Scotland, this has been replaced with the Best Start Grant. See below for more details.
Find out more in our guide What benefits can I claim when I’m pregnant or having a baby?
What are Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments in Scotland?
They are payments in Scotland to help with the costs of having and raising a child. Best Start Grants include one-off payments for things like pregnancy and starting school.
Find out more in our guide What benefits can I claim when I'm pregnant or have a baby?
How do I register a birth?
You must make an appointment to register your baby’s birth within 42 days (or 21 days in Scotland) at your local register office.
You can’t claim Child Benefit until you have a birth certificate.
Find out more about registering a birthOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
How early can you start maternity leave?
You can begin your maternity leave up to 11 weeks before your baby’s due date. If your baby arrives early or you’re off work due to a pregnancy-related illness in the four weeks before your due date, your leave will start automatically.
Find out more in our guides:
