Martin Lewis’ MSE reveals little-known way parents can get free nappies
MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com has revealed how parents can bag themselves free nappies.
The consumer website shared how families can pick up coupons, vouchers and free packs from Pampers and Aldi.
Pampers customers can pick up a £5 free pants essential pack or Pampers Squad coupons worth up to £2.
Meanwhile, Aldi shoppers can nab a 24-pack of newborn nappies worth 85p through Netmums coupons.
You can pick up the Pampers freebies by logging into your online account on its website.
It should only take a few minutes to set one up if you don’t have one – you just have to input your email address and a password.
You also have to add a number of other personal details including your full name and baby’s birthday or due date.
Meanwhile, Aldi customers can pick up the free pack of nappies via the Netmums website.
They come in a “Size 1”, which Aldi says fits babies weighing between four-11lbs (2-5kg).
Netmums said the coupon will be posted within two weeks of applying and it’s valid until March 31, 2024.
What other freebies can parents get?
Nappies aren’t the only freebies parents can get their hands on.
You can get help with the cost of raising a child through a number of schemes and initiatives. Here’s just a few:
Free school meals
In England, all children in reception, year one and two can get a free meal in school.
But you might be able to qualify if you have older children – if you’re on certain benefits including Universal Credit, JSA or Child Tax Credits, and are on a low income, for example.
If you are in this scenario you will need to apply either through your local authority, which you can do on its website, or your child’s school.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the Government’s council locator tool – you just have to enter your postcode or the town you live.
The exact amount you’ll get depends on where you are, but ranges from around £2.15 to £2.50 per day, or around £400-£500 each school year.
Free £300 for school uniforms
You can get a grant of up to £300 to help cover the cost of school uniforms for the year ahead as well, depending on where you live.
As a general rule, those on income support, Universal Credit, JSA, Child Tax Credit, ESA, and Pension Tax Credit are entitled to support.
You may also be eligible if your annual income is less than £16,190.
You can apply via the Government’s website which will redirect you to your local council’s website.
Bear in mind though, you won’t always be guaranteed help as council’s don’t have a legal obligation to offer it.
Free £500 if you’re pregnant
New or expectant parents can get £500 grants to help towards the cost of having a child.
The money comes via the Sure Start Maternity Grant – in some cases you can get up to £1,000, say for example if you’ve had triplets.
But you have to be receiving certain benefits to qualify. This includes:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- Universal Credit
Because the money is a grant you don’t have to pay it back, nor will it effect your other benefit entitlements.
You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within six months of the baby being born.
You’ll have to print out and fill in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form.
A health professional such as a doctor or midwife must also sign it before you post it to Freepost DWP SSMG.