How To Apply
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, to obtain a Maternity Exemption Certificate which, you must complete application form FW8. The form is available from doctors, midwives and health visitors. You are required to complete parts 1 and 2 of the form and your doctor, midwife or health visitor is asked to sign to confirm the information given by you is correct.
Practitioners send the completed application forms directly to:
NHS Help with Health Costs
Maternity Exemption
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1BF
We aim to process applications within 3 working days of receiving them. Certificates are valid from one month before the date on which the application is received, until:
- 12 months after the expected date of the baby's birth; or if the baby has already been born
- 12 months after the baby's date of birth
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Refunds
If you have to pay for any prescriptions before your certificate arrives you may be able to claim a refund. Ask your pharmacist, at the time you pay, for an official NHS receipt, form FP57.
Enquiries
If you have any queries, please call our enquiry line on 0845 601 8076. Alternatively, please complete our query form.
Frequently Asked Questions