Your maternity exemption certificate start date will be backdated one month from the date your FW8 application form is received.
The certificate will be valid until the day before your baby's first birthday.
If your due date has changed, you may need to send us evidence to amend the expiry date.
If your baby is born prematurely, you're entitled to use your maternity exemption 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 maternity exemption 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.