Child birth maintenance period expenses
On this page:
For mothers
For fathers
For mothers
Can I claim expenses from the father for child birth?
If you are not married and you have had a baby, you may be able to make a claim from the father for some of the expenses you have had to pay during the later stages of your pregnancy and after the birth of your child.
Are there any limits placed on the period of time for claiming the expenses?
Yes, the law says you may claim expenses for the 'child birth maintenance' period. This period is for two months before the birth of your child and three months after your child is born.
What expenses can I claim?
You may claim some expenses from the child birth maintenance period that relate to your own living expenses and reasonable medical expenses. If your child is stillborn, or dies and the death is related to the birth, then reasonable expenses of the child's funeral may be claimed. Also, if you die and the death is as a result of the pregnancy and birth, your family may make a claim for reasonable expenses of your funeral.
Can I claim expenses if I had to give up work early?
If you had to give up work early because of a medical condition, you may be able to start the claim period earlier than the two months before the birth of your child.
Do I have to keep receipts of any expenses I have paid?
You should keep receipts and other documents to support and prove your claim and you should get legal advice.
For fathers
Do I have to pay child birth related expenses?
If you and the mother were not married, the mother may make a claim for expenses that she had to pay during the child birth maintenance period. You should get legal advice if you have a claim made against you.