Sure Start Maternity Grant

Need to buy things for a new baby?

What is a Sure Start Maternity Grant?

This is a one-off payment to help pay for things you need for a new baby if you are on a low income.

The grant is tax-free and does not have to be paid back.

Can I get a Sure Start Maternity Grant?

You may be able to get one of these grants if your baby or your dependant’s baby is due soon, or was born in the past 3 months.

You can also claim if you have:

• recently adopted a young baby
• in certain circumstances, been granted a residence order for a baby, or
• been granted a parental order for a surrogate birth.

You, or your partner, must be getting one of these benefits:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit which includes a disability or severe disability element
• Child Tax Credit, at a higher rate than the family element

When do I claim?

• If you or your dependant are expecting a baby or have recently had a baby, you must claim during the period from 11 weeks before the baby is due until the baby is 3 months old.
• If you are adopting a baby or have been granted a residence order in respect of a baby, you can apply for a grant as long as the baby is not more than 12 months old when you apply. You must apply within 3 months of the date of the adoption or residence order.
• If you and your spouse have been granted a parental order for a surrogate birth you must apply within 3 months of the date of the parental order.

If you have claimed one of the benefits that you need to be on to get this grant and you are waiting for a decision, you must still claim within the time limits above.

What are the benefit rates?

Sure Start Maternity Grant: £500.00

What do I need to do next?

You can download a Sure Start Maternity Grant form

You can download a Sure Start Maternity Grant form in PDF format. The form comes with notes that will help you fill it in and tell you where to send the completed form. This form does not apply to Northern Ireland.

 Sure Start Maternity Grant , print out a form to fill in with a pen (226kb)

More information can be found in the leaflet 'The Social Fund'.

 The Social Fund (684.78kb) 

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