Sands was extremely concerned last year to hear that some mothers whose babies were stillborn, were being refused maternity benefits by some local benefit offices.  Following consultation with the Department of Work and Pensions, and in conjunction with the charity, Working Families, Sands is delighted to announce that the Department is making changes to Maternity Allowance Guidance to ensure mothers of stillborn babies receive the benefits they are legally entitled to.

In future, bereaved parents will only have to produce evidence of stillbirth by way of a Certificate of Stillbirth, when claiming Maternity Allowance and Statutory Maternity Pay.  While the guidance is being updated, should any parents whose baby is stillborn and who have been issued with a stillbirth certificate, be denied benefits they should contact Prabhavati  Mistry at the Department of Work and Pensions who will look into their case Prabhavati.Mistry@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

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