The Sure Start Maternity Grant provides new mothers in England and Wales with a one-time financial support of up to £500, helping them through the early stages of motherhood. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers this scheme, offering assistance to those expecting their first child or multiple births. Importantly, this grant will not impact other benefits or tax credits you may already be receiving.
Eligibility for the Sure Start Maternity Grant
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is primarily intended for first-time parents or those expecting multiple babies. However, there are more stringent criteria for parents who already have children under the age of 16. Below are the specific eligibility requirements:
Who is Eligible?
To apply for the maternity grant, you must meet the following conditions:
- You should not have any children under the age of 16.
- You must be receiving one of the following benefits at the time of your application:
- Working Tax Credit (with a disability or severe disability element)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Special Circumstances for Eligibility
In some cases, you may still be eligible for the grant even if you have children under 16, provided you meet one of the following conditions:
- You are caring for someone else’s child (not your partner’s) who was over 12 months old when you took on the care.
- You are claiming for a family member under 16 or aged 16-19 who is in certain educational programs.
- You are expecting twins or triplets.
- You have refugee status, humanitarian protection, or have arrived from Afghanistan or Ukraine.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount of money you can receive from the Sure Start Maternity Grant depends on the number of children you already have and whether you’re expecting multiple births:
- £500 for those expecting twins.
- £1,000 for those expecting triplets.
- If you’ve already had twins who are still under 16 and you are now expecting triplets, you can still receive £500.
However, if you have previously had twins and triplets under 16, and are expecting the same again (either twins or triplets), you will not be eligible for additional grant payments.
How to Apply for the Maternity Grant
To apply, you must submit an application form with proof of your pregnancy or childbirth. The completed form can then be sent by post to Freepost DWP SSMG, with no need for a postcode or stamp.
All payments from the Sure Start Maternity Grant are directly deposited into the account where you receive your benefits, pensions, or other allowances.
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a valuable support system for new parents in England and Wales, offering much-needed financial relief during pregnancy and the early stages of child-rearing. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this one-time payment can provide a helping hand without affecting your other benefits or tax credits.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
To be eligible, you must be expecting your first child or multiple babies, and you must be claiming certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit.
How much money can I receive from the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
If you’re expecting twins, you can receive £500, and if you’re expecting triplets, you can receive £1,000. Eligibility may vary based on previous children.
Will the Sure Start Maternity Grant affect my other benefits?
No, the Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment and will not affect any other benefits or tax credits you may be receiving.