Understanding your rights and financial support after a miscarriage

Before anything else, please know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. While family and friends can be a great comfort, sometimes it helps to talk to someone who understands exactly what you’re going through.

• The Miscarriage AssociationOpens in a new window offers support and information to anyone affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy.
• SandsOpens in a new window is a charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by stillbirth and neonatal death. They offer both practical guidance and emotional support.

If any of the steps in this guide feel too difficult, it’s okay to ask a trusted family member or friend to help, whether that’s making phone calls, filling in forms, or simply sitting with you while you read through this.

Losing a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy means some benefits like Statutory Maternity Pay, Sure Start Maternity Grant, and additional Healthy Start vouchers won't be available to you. But there is still support you can access to give you the time and space to grieve and recover.

If your baby was born alive before 24 weeks of pregnancy but sadly died, there is different support for you. Find out more about financial support after a neonatal death.

Going through a miscarriage is devastating, and you should never feel pressured to return to work before you're ready.

You’re entitled to the same sick leave as any other employee, and your employer must record any pregnancy-related sickness separately from your usual sickness record, so it can't be used against you in decisions about disciplinary action, dismissal or redundancy.

Pregnancy and maternity are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, so any unfair treatment during this time could count as discrimination.

If you live in Northern Ireland, you may also be entitled to two weeks' statutory Miscarriage Leave and PayOpens in a new window Speak to your employer for details.

Statutory Sick Pay is available for up to 28 weeks. Your contract may entitle you to more than this, so it's worth checking with your employer.

Find out more about claiming Statutory Sick PayOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

If your Statutory Sick Pay runs out, you don't earn enough to qualify for it, or you haven't worked for your employer long enough to claim it, you may be able to get Employment and Support Allowance instead. If you're on a low income, you might also be eligible for additional benefits.

Find out more about Employment and Support AllowanceOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

Your Maternity Exemption Certificate remains valid until its expiry date, so you can still use it for free prescriptions in England. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone.

Looking after yourself during this time matters. Free NHS dental treatment may also be available to you depending on where you live. Speak to your dentist or GP to find out what you're entitled to.

You can still use any Healthy Start vouchers you already have. Find out more about help to buy food and milkOpens in a new window on the Healthy Start website.

If you live in Scotland, you may be eligible for the Best Start Grant – find out more and check income limitsOpens in a new window on mygov.scot.

At a time like this, the last thing you want to think about is admin. But it's important to let certain organisations know what's happened so they can update their records and stop any payments that were already arranged.

If you feel up to it, a phone call or email is usually the quickest way to get in touch. If that feels like too much right now, a friend or family member can do this on your behalf if you'd prefer.

Let them know what's happened when you feel ready.

They may be able to offer compassionate leave or bereavement support and can help with cancelling any maternity or paternity pay arrangements.

Your employment contract may also entitle you to more support than you expect, it's worth checking with your employer.

If a Sure Start Maternity Grant had been arranged through your local Jobcentre Plus, you'll need to let them know you're no longer pregnant.

Find your nearest Jobcentre PlusOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

If you live in Northern Ireland, contact your nearest Jobs and Benefits OfficeOpens in a new window instead.

If you receive Universal Credit, let your work coach know as soon as you feel able, ideally within a few days. You can do this through your online journal or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.

Once reported, your work-related requirements can be paused while you grieve and recover.  

Although a registrar cannot provide a birth, stillbirth or death certificate for a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy, there are still ways to formally recognise your baby and mark their life.

There is no legal requirement to arrange a funeral after a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy. But if it feels right for you, that’s completely your choice.

If you’d like to arrange a burial or cremation, a funeral director or someone from your faith community can guide you through the process at your own pace.

Your hospital bereavement or chaplaincy team can also offer support and guidance, whatever your beliefs. You don’t have to work this out alone.

You also have the right to bury your baby yourself if you wish. Let your hospital staff or GP know as they may not always be aware this is an option.

If you live in Scotland, and your baby was born alive but died before 24 weeks of pregnancy, you may be able to claim a Funeral Support PaymentOpens in a new window if you receive certain benefits.

Our free printed guides give clear, impartial information to help you understand your options and make decisions in your own time.

You can download the Miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death guideOpens in a new window or order a printed copy.