Pregnant women can now claim a one-off payment to help cover the costs of having a child. The scheme is called Sure Start Maternity Grant and expectant parents will receive £500.
The £500 could go a long way towards getting a nursery ready, buying food, nappies, formula or a pushchair or child car seat. The grant also does not have to be repaid, nor will it affect any other tax credits or benefits the recipient receives.
Nonetheless, there are still rules that apply to the program, reports BirminghamLive. Here we look at the rules involved in a Sure Start Maternity Grant and how expectant parents can go about getting one.
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Does everyone get a Sure Start Maternity Grant?
You can usually qualify for the Sure Start Maternity Grant if both of the following apply:
- you are expecting your first child, or you are expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and already have children
- you or your partner are already receiving certain benefits – see full eligibility details below
Can you claim for your second and third child?
You cannot get a scholarship if you already have children. You can only get a grant if at least one of the following applies:
When can you apply for a Sure Start Maternity Grant?
You must apply for the grant within 11 weeks of the expected due date or within six months of the baby’s birth.
Does the maternity allowance affect Crédit Universel?
You do not have to repay the grant and this will not affect your other benefits or tax credits.
However, if you get Universal Credit, you will not get a decision on your Sure Start Maternity Grant application until your next Universal Credit payment.
How is a Sure Start maternity grant paid?
The grant is paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
What can I claim when I’m pregnant? How do I know if I qualify for a Sure Start Maternity Grant?
To get Sure Start Maternity Benefit, you must not have any other children under the age of 16. You or your partner must also receive one of these benefits:
- Income support
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Income Support Benefit
- Pension credit
- Child tax credit
- Tax credit for work that includes an element of disability or severe disability
- Universal Credit
You may also qualify if you obtain a mortgage interest support loan.
How to Apply for a Sure Start Maternity Grant
You can print and complete a Sure Start Maternity Grant Application Form (SF100) here. You must ask a health professional such as a doctor or a midwife to complete the declaration on page 10 of the form. You can send your form without this mention if necessary to meet the deadline. If you do, you will be contacted to arrange reporting at a later date.
The form should then be sent to ‘Freepost DWP SSMG’ – you do not need a postcode or stamp. You will receive a letter telling you if your claim has been accepted.
You can get help with your application and find out more here or by calling the Sure Start Maternity Grant helpline on 0800 169 0140. Further information is also available at Jobcentre Plus.
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