How To Get £500 with the Sure Start Maternity Grant

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting journey, albeit an expensive one. The Sure Start Maternity Grant offers a £500 financial cushion for eligible families in the UK, easing the burden of essential baby-related expenses.

But how do you secure this vital support? Our guide breaks down the application process and eligibility criteria, simplifying your path to obtaining the grant. Let’s explore how you can access this financial aid, so you can focus on the joy of your new arrival without the stress of extra costs.

What Is Sure Start Maternity Grant?

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 designed to alleviate the costs associated with welcoming a new member into the family. It can be spent on essential expenses of a newborn, such as clothing, nappies, and other necessary items, without the need to pay it back.

Aimed at providing support when it’s most needed, this grant is a part of the government’s effort to ensure every child gets the best start in life, making it a bit easier for families to manage the financial aspects of this significant life event.

Are you worried about the cost of childcare in the UK? Check whether you qualify for the Childcare Grant here.

Who Is Eligible for Sure Start Maternity Grant?

The maternity sure start grant is a financial benefit for families living in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland who are expecting their first child. For those living in Scotland, there is a different scheme called Pregnancy and Baby Payment.

Eligibility for sure start maternity grant depends on:

• The benefits you are receiving. To qualify, you need to be receiving certain types of financial support, such as:
  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-Based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Working Tax Credit (for those with a disability/severe disability)
  • Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit

• Your Personal Situation. Eligible applicants include the baby’s mother, their partner, or those involved in adoption or surrogacy arrangements.
• UK Residency. You must be a UK resident, though some exceptions apply. For example, if you are a refugee or under humanitarian protection.

Although this benefit is targeted to mothers expecting their first child and with no other children under 16, exceptions are made for multiple births (like twins or triplets) even if there are already other children in the family.

What Are the Conditions To Receive Sure Start Maternity Grant If You Have Other Children?

Mothers with children may still apply under the following conditions: 

• They are expecting multiple births (i.e., twins or triplets)
• The child they are looking after belongs to another person (the child must not be their partner’s) and they must be 12 months or older when the arrangement began
• The other children are 16 or younger
• They have refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK and had kids before arriving in the UK

Adoptive Parents, Surrogate Parents, and Guardians

You may also claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant if you have adopted or become a surrogate parent or guardian. To qualify you must fulfill the following conditions:

• Your baby is younger than 12 months old on the date the claim is made.
• You receive one of the social benefits listed above
• You have received a surrogate birth parental order OR
• You have everything in place to adopt from overseas OR
• You have become the guardian of a baby OR
• You have been permitted to adopt or won a custody order

Can Anyone Other Than the Mother Claim the Grant?

Someone else may claim the grant if they are applying on behalf of a person who is part of their family and resides with them. They must be: 

• Under 16 OR
• Aged 16 to 19 and currently on a course of studies approved by the government. This includes:
  • A-levels or other similar courses
  • 2-year technical programs
  • National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) level three stage or below
  • Traineeships

Advanced courses or courses paid by an employer, such as a degree from a University or the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Certification at the Higher National Level, would not fall under the ‘approved category.’ 

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Bear in mind 💡

• The grant is typically for your first child, but there are exceptions for multiple births.
• Ensure you apply within the specific time frames. For those giving birth, this is from 11 weeks before the baby’s due date and up to 6 months after the birth, whereas for those on the adoption route, this period is within 6 months of becoming responsible for the child.
• You may also qualify for the Sure Start Maternity Grant if you receive mortgage loan support.

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How Much is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?

A Sure Start Maternity Grant is £500. However, you may receive more depending on whether you have other children or are giving birth to twins or triplets:

Children under 16	Grant if you have twins	Grant if you have triplets
You have 1 or more (and none of them are from multiple births)	£500	£1,000
You’ve already had twins	£0	£500
You’ve already had triplets	£0	£0

How To Apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant online. You must claim the grant by post. Download, print, and fill in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form below:

The statement on page 10 of the form should be completed by a health professional such as a doctor or a midwife. You must also provide evidence of your pregnancy with a completed MAT B1 form or a written statement by your healthcare provider confirming your pregnancy or childbirth.

If necessary, the Sure Start Maternity Form can be sent without the statement to meet the deadline. In such a scenario, the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) will make contact at a later date.

Where To Send Sure Start Maternity Grant Form?

Once completed, post the sure start grant form to Freepost DWP SSMG. Affixing a stamp or providing a postcode is not required. You’ll receive a letter shortly informing you of the outcome.

What To Do If Your Claim Is Unsuccessful 

A mandatory reconsideration is possible if you were not successful with the request. The appeal stage involves:

• Contacting the Department of Work and Pension (DWP)
• Explaining why the decision is unfair
• Potentially submitting further details

Follow this link to find out more detailed information on how to challenge the decision. 

Financial Help for First-Time Parents

Applying for the Sure Start Maternity Grant in the UK is a straightforward process that can provide much-needed support during this special time. Remember, check your eligibility, gather the required documents, and submit your application by post. Soon enough, you’ll have that extra help for your little one’s arrival. Wishing you a smooth application process and a joyous journey into parenthood!

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