A maternity exemption certificate is valid until the day before your baby's first birthday.
The start date of your certificate is backdated one month from the date your FW8 application form is received.
If your due date has changed, you may need to send us evidence to amend the expiry date of your certificate.
If your baby is born prematurely, you're entitled to use your certificate until the expiry date. This is because the expiry date of your certificate is based on the expected due date rather than when your baby is born.
Your certificate must be valid on the date you collect your NHS prescription.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.