New mums can receive up to £500 in non-repayable funds – or £1,000 if they have triplets.
This lesser-known benefit, called the Sure Start Maternity Grant, is available to those who are pregnant or have recently had a baby.
According to the DWP: '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. If you live in Scotland, you cannot get a Sure Start Maternity Grant. You can apply for a Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.'
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© ShutterstockWhat is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
The Sure Start Maternity Grant offers a one-time payment of £500 to new or expectant mothers living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, a different type of grant is available, with further information provided below.
This financial aid is intended to help mothers with lower incomes cover the costs associated with having a baby. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for more than £500.
To qualify for this government grant, you must be receiving certain benefits.
Generally, you can receive the grant if both of the following criteria are met:
- You are expecting your first child, or you are expecting twins or more and already have children.
- You or your partner are receiving specific benefits (a detailed list is provided below).
You will NOT qualify for the grant if you already have children and are expecting just one more child.
The grant is non-repayable and will not affect your other benefits or tax credits, but you must apply for it within 11 weeks before the baby's due date or within 6 months after the birth.
Who is eligible for the grant?
Anyone on one of the following benefits is eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
- Universal Credit
If you receive a Support for Mortgage Interest loan, you may also be eligible for the grant.
How much money will I receive?
The amount you receive depends on your specific circumstances.
Generally, if you have previously had a child, you may not be eligible. However, if you are expecting twins or triplets, you could still qualify for the one-time payment, even if you already have children.
Most people without other children will get £500. If you have one or more children under 16, none of whom are from multiple births, and you are now expecting twins, you will receive £500.
If you have previously had twins and are now expecting triplets, you will also receive £500.
Conversely, if you already have one or more children (none from multiple births) and are now expecting triplets, you might be eligible for £1,000.
Eligibility can be somewhat complicated, so it's advisable to verify your eligibility and apply in case you qualify for assistance.
How do I apply?
You can apply for the grant by filling in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form on the Government's website, by post or by phone.
You'll also need to get the statement part of the form filled in by a doctor or midwife.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can download a claim form from nidirect.
Once you've applied, you'll then get a letter telling you if your claim was successful or not, and payment will be made to the same account where you usually get your benefit payments.
What if I live in Scotland?
For mums-to-be in Scotland, the system is slightly different. Rather than claiming the Sure Start grant, you may be eligible for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.
This is part of 5 family payments you may be able to get from the Scottish Government, and also forms part of the Best Start Grant.
Find out more via the Scottish Government's website here.
© ShutterstockMoney-saving tips for new parents, and parents-to-be
A simple way to spend less (and save money) is by shopping at Aldi.
You can pick up bargain fruit and veggies with the budget chains Super 6 offers. New choices are added every two weeks, and it's an easy way to eat your five a day, for less. And it's cost-cutting way to get your weaning baby eating a rainbow too!
And keep your eye out for Aldi's Super Weekly Offers too, with quality meat and fish all at amazing prices.
Want to save even more? You're in luck. Aldi Mamia's award-winning baby supplies are all loved by parents AND are cheaper than many premium brands. You won't be compromising on quality but you will be saving money.
