What you're entitled to As a parent, you'll be glad of every extra pound you can get. So make sure you're not missing out on any of the benefits you may be entitled to.

In this article

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Maternity Allowance Sure Start Maternity Grant

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) Child Benefit

Tax credits Other help

Whether you're eligible for SMP depends on how long you've been with your employer and how much you earn before tax.

Directgov has information to help you work out if you meet the criteria, how long SMP lasts and how much you'll get.

Tax and National Insurance are payable on SMP.

To get SMP, you must give your employer four weeks' notice of when you intend to stop work. You'll also have to provide medical proof of when your baby's due. This should be on a MATB1 form, filled in by your doctor or midwife.

If you don't qualify for SMP, are self-employed or have recently changed jobs, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance.

Visit Directgov to see if you meet the criteria and to find out how much you'll get and for how long.

To apply for Maternity Allowance, pick up a form at your local Jobcentre Plus or social security office. You'll need proof of your earnings and a MATB1 form (see above).

Maternity Allowance is not liable for tax or National Insurance contributions.

If you need extra money to buy things for a new baby and you or your partner receive a low income benefit or tax credit, you may qualify for a lump sum grant, which you won't have to pay back.

To claim, fill in an SF100 Sure Start form available from your local Jobcentre Plus.

Directgov has more detailed information.

Whether you qualify for SPP depends on how long you've been with your employer and how much you earn.

Directgov has detailed information for you to work out if you meet the criteria and how much you'll receive.

SPP is liable for tax and National Insurance contributions.

You can take one week or two consecutive weeks' leave, which must be completed within eight weeks of the birth, or within eight weeks of the expected date of birth if the baby was early.

You must inform your employer by the 15th week before your baby is due that you intend to take SPP, and you must give 28 days' notice if you change your mind.

This payment is made for every child, regardless of your income, savings or whether you receive benefits.

You may be given a claim pack in hospital. If not, contact the Child Benefit Office on 0845 302 1444 (England, Wales, Scotland) or 0845 603 2000 (Northern Ireland).

Visit Directgov to find out how much you'll receive.

Child tax credit is a means-tested benefit. To be eligible you must be aged over 16 and have responsibility for a child(ren) under 16 (or under 19, if in full-time, non-advanced education; that is, not at university).

Working tax credit is a means-tested credit for working adults and includes a credit for childcare costs. To be eligible, you must be over 16 years old, working 16 hours or more a week and have responsibility for a child.

To find out if you qualify for either tax credit, contact the tax credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 (England, Wales, Scotland) or 0845 603 2000 (Northern Ireland).

See Help for working parents for more detail about how these credits work.

Guardian's Allowance is paid to someone bringing up a child because the child's parents have died or a surviving parent cannot be traced or is in prison.

Child Support Maintenance - if you're a lone parent receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance you can claim child support from a non-resident parent (who's living elsewhere in the UK, or living and working abroad for a UK-based employer). For full details contact the Child Support Agency on 08457 133133 or visit www.csa.gov.uk.

New Deal for Lone Parents helps those on Income Support find work, and may help pay the cost of childcare while you're on an approved training scheme. For further information, visit your local Jobcentre Plus or benefits agency, call 0845 606 2626 or visit www.newdeal.gov.uk.

NHS dental care and prescriptionsare free during pregnancy and for a year after the birth. Ask your dentist for full details. If you receive Income Support, you're entitled to free milk and vitamins during your pregnancy and free baby milk once your baby's born.

Remember that to receive any money you have to claim - nothing happens automatically. To discuss your entitlements, contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.

Disclaimer: The BBC Parenting site is provided for your general information only. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. The BBC is not responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.