MOTHERS may not be aware but they can get access to free NHS prescriptions and dental care.
Those who are pregnant or who have had a baby in the last 12 months can get the free services if they apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate.
Citizens Advice shared the reminder as families across the country celebrates Mother's Day.
Here we break down everything you need to know...
First, it's worth knowing that you will need to apply to get this benefit.
It is not given out automatically, so you will need to speak to your midwife, doctor or health visitor as they can complete the application for you.
They can do this as soon as they confirm that you're pregnant.
If they use the digital maternity exemption service, you will get your certificate by email as soon as they have completed the application.
Otherwise you will get a paper certificate in the post within 10 working days of the application being received.
Once you've got the certificate, you can use it as proof that you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment and prescriptions.
If you don't have a valid certificate, you could be liable for a penalty charge if you try to claim.
How can I use the certificate?
Once you have your certificate, you'll be able to collect your NHS prescriptions for free.
You'll need to mark box ‘D' on the prescription form and sign the declaration that you're entitled to free prescriptions when you collect your item.
Ideally you should take your certificate along with you as evidence that your exemption is valid.
However the NHS website says you can still collect your NHS prescription for free if you do not have your certificate with you.
How long does it last for?
The certificate will be backdated to start one month before the date your application was received.
Therefore if you paid for a prescription in the month before you applied, you'll be able to get a refund.
You should be entitled to the free health services for a year after your baby is born.
The certificate will expire 12 months after either your due date or the birth of your baby.
If your baby is born later than expected, you can contact the NHS with a copy of their birth certificate and it will extend the certificate's expiry date.
How can I claim a refund on a prescription?
As we mentioned, you can get refunded on any prescriptions you paid for in the month before you applied for the certificate.
However, you will need to have got an NHS refund form, called an FP57, when you paid.
You cannot get the form later on.
The form will explain how you can claim, but you need to make sure you apply for the refund within three months of paying the prescription charge.
What if I lose my certificate or I need to change my details?
If the certificate gets lost or damaged, you can contact the NHS for a replacement.
You'll also need to get the document replaced if you change your name, for example if you get married.
First you should return your certificate to the NHS with a copy of either your marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, deed poll, passport or decree absolute.
The NHS will then send you a new one.
Money saving tips for parents
WE'VE put together six top tips to cut costs, nab freebies and to make sure you're not fined.
- Free prescriptions and dental care – Prescriptions cost £9.15 a pop in England, while NHS dental costs vary by location. You can get both for free while you're pregnant and for 12 months after your baby's due date. Ask your doctor or midwife for a maternity exemption certificate (MATEX) to claim the free care.
- Free milk, infant formula, vitamins or fruit and veg – Under the Healthy Start programme, you may be entitled to the freebies if you're at least 10 weeks pregnant or you have a child under four and you're on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit.
- £500 free grant – In England, Northern Ireland and Wales you may be entitled to a Sure Start grant of £500 if you're on certain benefits and expecting your first child or expecting more than one baby – such as twins.To claim, you need to fill out the following form on Gov.uk and get your doctor or midwife to sign it.
- Register the birth in time or face a £200 fine – You need to register the birth within 42 days of your baby being born with your local registry office. This costs £11 in England and Wales.
- Update a will or update it – If you don't have a will, in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, where one parent dies, children will only inherit cash if the estate is worth more than £250,000 – otherwise all the money will go to the surviving spouse. If you don't want that to happen, you need to get a will stating your wishes.
- Consider getting life insurance – No-one likes to think about death but if something happened to you, could the family survive without your salary? If not, you many want to consider life insurance. Use a comparison service to find not only the cheapest, but the most suitable cover for your needs.
