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Original poster

Health in Pregnancy Grant Problems ... Anyone else?

34 replies

lullabellesmummy · 11/10/2010 09:40

I sent off my form when I turned 25 weeks and I am still waiting for the grant. I'm now 32 weeks!!!

I have telephoned them (again) this morning and they're apparently still waiting for head office to process it. The time scale is now 6 weeks.

Anyone else currently experiencing this?

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CrazyPlateLady · 11/10/2010 09:51

Keep on.

I was waiting for my NHS exemption card for weeks recently. I chased it up, the office hadn't received it but the doctors were adamant they sent it. I had to do another form and I had it within a couple of weeks.

Stuff does get lost, quite easily I have found.

kitkat2507 · 11/10/2010 10:06

i did not have any problem, it took 8 days from sending the form to the money being in my account I was very pleasantly suprised, might be worth sending another form recorded delivery. hope you get it sorted soon chuck x

Original poster
lullabellesmummy · 11/10/2010 10:18

Thanks for your replies ladies. They have received my form, just waiting to 'process' it. I guess its swings and roundabouts when it comes these kind of things.

OP posts:
shell96 · 11/10/2010 10:28

i had a problem when i was preg with ds and their auto form scanning software read my due date wrong and i got a letter back saying i was not eligible. After phoning they did sort it out but i had to wait quite a while for the money

greenbeanie · 11/10/2010 10:29

I was told firstly that they had no record of my claim after 4 weeks and was then called to say that they had it but the current wait is upto 8 weeks. Have recieved the grant now though, I think they are just v. slow at present.

yellowflowers · 11/10/2010 11:49

I had problem because hospital had run out of forms but when they finally got new ones it was processed quickly.

lainey1981 · 11/10/2010 12:45

my first application was apparently never received by them, so had to get another from the midwife at my 30week appointment - this was processed in just over a week (am now 34 weeks)

FourEyesGood · 11/10/2010 20:55

I sent my form off 7 weeks ago and hadn't heard anything, so I rang them this afternoon. There's no record of me at all! So annoyed.

They suggested I get another form from my midwife (who I'm sure will be thrilled at having to fill in another one for me) - no apology, no acceptance of the fact that a Health In Pregnancy grant ought to arrive before the end of a pregnancy; I'm highly likely to be out of pregnancy now before the money arrives!

lilmamma · 11/10/2010 22:48

my daughters was done within the week aswell,chase it up..

1Catherine1 · 11/10/2010 23:23

I suppose since it's being done away with soon this is just the start of things to come. Chances are they'll be redistributing their workforce in preparation for it being all over. Shame, I was planning on relying on mine to pay my antenatal classes.

SlummyMummyAndProud · 11/10/2010 23:37

I called last week as Im still waiting to here something. Im in the same situation as OP.

Apparently they have been getting a new computer system installed and can't check anything at the moment, hence the now 6wk wait.

It is supposed to be up and running by tomorrow but I wouldn't hold my breath.

CrazyPlateLady · 12/10/2010 09:34

They aren't getting rid of it until April so anyone who is 25 weeks before then is entitled. I wouldn't let it lie and I am expecting it.

I need it to replace the wardrobe in DS's room so its big enough for 2 children to share.

preghead · 12/10/2010 09:37

Hi There - I think they've had cock ups with their computer system - I sent mine off at 26 weeks and just got it this week at 39 weeks! Which rather makes a mockery of the whole healthy eating idea - far too late now!

ecuse · 12/10/2010 09:38

Actually it's January they're getting rid of it (see here: www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/HealthinPregnancyGrant/DG_173502)

I'm going to miss it by 3 days - thinking of asking the midwife to backdate me by a few days :D

lucybrad · 12/10/2010 09:40

seems strange. I just recieved mine 10 days after applying.... so where do they get 8 weeks from, and why do some take longer than others?

CrazyPlateLady · 12/10/2010 09:51

www.bbc.co.uk/news/10374475

This link says April, which is what I heard originally.

ecuse · 12/10/2010 10:31

HMRC administer the grant and they say January unfortunately www.hmrc.gov.uk/hipg/what-is-it.htm :(

Swazzee · 12/10/2010 10:39

Yeah, sorry but I've had no problem. And am close in dates to the OP (32+5). Sent it off bang on 25 weeks and was in my bank account a week later. In fact the letter telling me that they were going to pay it took a week longer than the payment itself to arrive!

Agreed that they are probably winding down for the January end to the grant.

Original poster
lullabellesmummy · 12/10/2010 11:10

Thank you for all your replies. I'm a little upset as I had planned to use it to help with little things like paying to park closer to work instead of a 15 minute walk (which at the end of the day can take a hell of a lot longer).

For those unsure as to whether they're entitled, this link may help www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/HealthinPregnancyGrant/DG_173502

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Original poster
lullabellesmummy · 12/10/2010 11:12

lol just realised I've posted the same link as ecuse

OP posts:
glitterjo · 12/10/2010 12:39

I called them yesterday after reading this and realising it had been nearly 6 weeks since I sent off the form. They couldn't find it at first and then said they had the form but I hadn't put my National Insurance number on it. Thing is, I'm almost totally certain that I did because I commented at the time that it had been ages since I'd had to put it down for anything. And then DP and I had a discussion about how it was a bit creepy to think of a computer reading the form (it said that on it somewhere, I think). Guy I spoke to said he'd contact head office and they'd get back to me...my heart sank. DP has had his hours cut hugely and I had to stop work much earlier than anticipated because of ill health - we're now depending on the grant to buy the car seat and some other little bits so I'm nervous that it won't arrive before the baby now! Though I'm only 30+6 so fingers crossed.

CalaLilly · 12/10/2010 12:57

In order to qualify for the grant you must be 24+1 weeks on 31st December, meaning you must have an EDD of 21st April or before. (I contacted the government department to clarify their definhition of the 25th week of pregnany. Thankfully they couln week one a 0 to 6 days so week 24 gestiaion is your 25th week of pregnancy). My EDD is 22nd April. Gutted!

1Catherine1 · 12/10/2010 15:35

CalaLily I don't blame you for being gutted! And you know chances are the baby will come early. The thing is though that they never know 100% how far along you are, I've heard they're only right within a couple of days. Since they can't actually pinpoint when you ovulated it is just an estimated guess. Kinda makes you want to request they make another estimated guess which puts you further along.

CalaLilly · 12/10/2010 16:33

1Catherine1... I'm thinking I might just ask my midwife that very question in December when it comes to when the form is due to be completed. I'm also praying that baby looks one day more developed at my next scan Smile

Let's hope that every borderline women has a nice midwife who will sign the forms anyway!

ecuse · 12/10/2010 16:43

Oooh CalaLilly that means I might just squeak in then! My EDD is 19th April. I might give them a ring too, thanks for letting us know.