Overview

You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. This is known as a Sure Start Maternity Grant.

You usually qualify for the grant if:

• you’ve no other children – unless you’re expecting a multiple birth (eg twins)
• you get certain benefits

You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of expecting the baby or within 3 months after the birth.

Eligibility

Usually, to qualify for a Sure Start Maternity Grant there must be no other children in your family and you must get one of these benefits:

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

Exception

If you already have children you won’t get a grant unless you’re expecting a multiple birth (eg twins or triplets).

If you’re not giving birth

You can also get a grant if you’re not giving birth, eg you’re adopting or becoming a surrogate parent.

The baby must be less than 1 year old on the date you claim and one of the following must also apply:

• you’re become responsible for the baby and you’re not the mother
• the baby has been placed with you for adoption
• you’ve got permission to adopt a baby from abroad
• you’ve got a parental order for a surrogate birth
• you’ve been appointed as guardian
• you’ve an adoption or a residence order

What You Could Get

A Sure Start Maternity Grant is £500 and you don’t have to pay it back.

If you already have children

If you already have children under 16, you can only get a grant if you’re expecting a multiple birth and:

• you claim from 13 August 2012
• the babies are expected on or after 29 October 2012

How you’re paid

All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into an account, eg your bank account.

How to Claim

Send form SF100 to the address below by the deadline. There’s a different form and postal address for Northern Ireland.

Deadlines

You must claim within 11 weeks of expecting the baby or within 3 months of the birth.

If you’re becoming responsible for a child, eg through adoption, you must claim within 3 months of this happening (eg the child being placed with you).

Where to send your form

Take it to your local Jobcentre Plus or post it.

What you need to know

A health professional (eg doctor or midwife) must also sign your claim form.

You’ll get a letter telling you if your claim was successful.