Maternity exemption card benefits explained – what do they entitle you to and how to apply
IF you're expecting a baby or have recently given birth, then you are entitled to a maternity exemption card.
The certificate entitles expecting or new mothers to a number of cost-cutting benefits - but what are they?
What benefits do maternity exemption cards cover?
A maternity exemption card is a certificate that all pregnant women in the UK can apply for once they find out they are expecting.
You can also apply for this certificate if you have given birth in the last 12 months.
They are usually in the form of a plastic card that can be shown to medical providers to prove you are expecting a baby.
Now mothers can also get their digital exemption certificate straight away once an email address has been provided.
The digital method is only provided if your midwife, doctor or health visitor uses this service.
The card entitles you to certain treatment on the NHS for free and they are issued by the government.
The cards are designed to help women with the costs of pregnancy and the conditions that can arise from it.
Here's a look at the benefits you receive once you have been given a maternity exemption card according to the NHS.
- Free NHS prescriptions in England
- Free NHS dental treatment
Do you have to apply for a maternity exemption card?
The answer is yes - you do have to apply for a maternity exemption card.
You can ask your doctor or midwife to provide you with a form for a maternity exemption card.
Alternatively, you can apply online.
How do you apply for a maternity exemption card?
If you're making an application using a form, this needs to be filled out and signed off by a midwife or your doctor to confirm that you are pregnant.
You can also apply for a certificate online via the .
If you're filling the form out online, you will need to have certain information on hand such as your date of birth, NHS number, due or birth date of the child, email address or postal address.
You will also need to register and create an NHS account to use the service.
Most women receive the cards within 10 working days of applying and they can be backdated for a month before the application is received.
Digital cards are usually sent to the mother as soon as the application has been approved.
How long is a maternity exemption certificate valid for?
The card lasts throughout pregnancy and doesn't expire until 12 months after either your due date or the birth of your baby.
If a woman suffers a miscarriage or her baby is stillborn, the card can still be used until it expires.