When can you apply for the maternity exemption certificate?

[Orlandoflorida1]

I’m due at the dentist soon and wondered when we are entitled to apply for the exemption certificate?

My midwife gave me mine at my booking in appointment at 9 weeks.

We can do it as soon as you register for care in pregnancy www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption-certificates/maternity-exemption-certificates

So as I already have my 12 week scan app and booking app I could register now?

I believe my midwife did it all for me and they backdate it to approx 4 weeks pregnant. Think mine was emailed to me but I never had to show it I just told my chemist I had maternity exemption and have done since. Think all the NHS systems are linked up. I would call your midwife team and see if its already been done for you

@Helenknowsbest thank you. Last time I was pregnant I had a fine in the post from nhs even though I had my card 🤷🏻‍♀️

@Orlandoflorida1 ah that's a nightmare, I'm really surprised because the midwife team are meant to sort it all out for you

You don't need to have the card to claim the exemption they can just put your due date on the form.

I just called my GP and asked them about it and they needed me to go in to fill in a form.
The exemption form came in the post 2 weeks later!
Hope that helps x

I had a check up at the dentist a couple of weeks before my midwife booking appointment. I was prepared to pay as I didn’t have my exemption cert yet but mentioned I was pregnant and the receptionist said it was fine and just to call them with the number once I had it. Might be worth asking at your dentist in case they have the same approach!

Definitely try and get it sorted asap.. I'm still waiting for mine and have got the midwife to do it 3 times now.. (I'm 29+2).. Hopefully third time lucky!