How to Claim Sure Start Maternity Grant?

Bringing a new child into the world can be joyful but also financially challenging. For families on low incomes, government assistance can offer essential relief.

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment that helps eligible individuals or couples cover the initial costs of having a baby. This guide explores how the grant works, who can apply, and the step-by-step process to claim it smoothly.

If you are living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and expecting a child or becoming a parent, this financial support could make a real difference.

What Is Sure Start Maternity Grant and Who Is It For?

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 to support parents and guardians with the costs of having a child. It is designed to ease the financial burden during pregnancy or upon adoption, especially for low-income households.

This grant is specifically available to those living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. It is not available in Scotland, where the Pregnancy and Baby Payment scheme applies instead.

Eligible individuals include:

• Expecting their first child
• Having multiple births and already have children
• Adopting or becoming responsible for a baby under the age of 1
• Surrogate parents with a parental order

The grant is non-repayable and doesn’t affect other benefits or count as income for any other government assistance.

What Does the Sure Start Maternity Grant Covers?

The Sure Start Maternity Grant offers financial support to help cover essential baby-related expenses. While the grant does not come with spending restrictions, it is typically used to support newborn care in the early months.

Here’s what families commonly use the grant for:

• Baby clothes and blankets
• Prams or pushchairs
• Cots, cribs, or Moses baskets
• Nappies and hygiene products
• Feeding bottles and sterilising equipment
• Safety items like baby monitors and car seats
• Maternity supplies for the parent or carer

You are not required to provide receipts or prove what the money was used for. The aim of the grant is to ensure that families have the flexibility to meet their child’s immediate needs without financial pressure.

It’s worth noting that the grant:

• Does not need to be paid back
• Will not affect other benefits
• Is not subject to the Benefit Cap

This makes it a very accessible and valuable form of financial support for eligible applicants, offering both short-term relief and long-term stability.

Who Is Eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant in the UK?

Eligibility for the Sure Start Maternity Grant is means-tested and applies only to residents of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You must meet specific conditions related to benefits, children, and status.

You Must Be Receiving One of the Following Benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (guarantee element)
• Support for the Mortgage Interest loan

You Must Be in One of the Following Situations:

• Expecting your first child
• Expecting twins or triplets and already have children
• Caring for a baby under 1 who is not your own (e.g., adoption or guardianship)
• The parent or carer of a child who is:
  • Under 16
  • Aged 16 to 19 and in approved education or training

Additional Eligibility Scenarios Include:

• Refugee or humanitarian protection status
• Recently arrived from Afghanistan or Ukraine under special circumstances
• Claiming on behalf of a young family member living with you

Meeting both the benefit requirements and the specific family-related criteria is absolutely essential in order to successfully qualify.

How to Claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant?

Claiming the Sure Start Maternity Grant involves filling out a specific form and sending it to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by post. You must submit all required details within the claim period and provide the right supporting evidence.

Steps to Claim:

• Download and print the SF100 form
• Fill in personal and partner details
• Include the benefit you’re receiving
• Have a health professional confirm pregnancy (via MAT B1 or a written statement)
• Attach supporting documents if required
• Send to Freepost DWP SSMG (no stamp or postcode needed)

If you’re in Northern Ireland, there is a separate form and postal address. Make sure the form is completed accurately. Mistakes or missing information can delay the processing of your application.

Deadline for Submitting Your Claim

You must apply for the grant within one of these time frames:

• From 11 weeks before the baby is due
• Up to 6 months after the baby is born

If you’re adopting or becoming responsible for a child, you need to apply within 6 months of the child being placed in your care.

Submitting the claim within this deadline is crucial, even if you don’t have all the documents. You can send evidence later if necessary, and DWP will contact you to arrange it.

Can You Apply Before the Baby Is Born?

Yes, you can apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant before the baby is born as long as you’re within the approved timeframe. Specifically, claims can be submitted from 11 weeks before your due date.

You will need to provide confirmation of pregnancy through a MAT B1 form or a written statement from a doctor or midwife. This documentation is essential to validate your claim. Early applications can help ensure funds are available before the baby arrives.

How Much SSMG Can You Get?

The standard Sure Start Maternity Grant amount is £500. However, families expecting multiple births may be eligible for a higher payment, depending on the number of children already in the household.

Multiple Birth Payment Table:

Existing Children	Twins Grant	Triplets Grant
No children	£1,000	£1,500
One or more	£500	£1,000
Already had twins	£0	£500
Already had triplets	£0	£0

The final amount you receive depends on both your current household makeup and the number of babies expected. The payment is made as a lump sum directly into your bank, credit union, or building society account.

How Do Children Under 16 in the Household Affect Your Claim?

Having children under 16 already living with you can impact your eligibility for the grant. In most cases, you won’t qualify for a Sure Start Maternity Grant for a single birth if another child under 16 is already in the household.

However, there are exceptions:

• You are expecting twins or triplets
• The child in your care is not yours and was over 12 months old when they came into your household
• You are claiming on behalf of a younger family member
• The person you are claiming for is under 16 or aged 16–19 in full-time education

Even with children already in the home, these unique scenarios offer eligibility for parents or guardians who meet both the benefits and family status conditions. It’s crucial to review all these variables before assuming you’re ineligible.

How Do You Fill in the SF100 Form for Sure Start Grant?

The SF100 form is the official claim form for the Sure Start Maternity Grant and must be accurately completed to avoid delays or rejection. It’s a straightforward document, but attention to detail is vital.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling the Form:

• Download or collect the SF100 form from a Jobcentre or official source
• Provide your full personal details, including address, National Insurance number, and date of birth
• Confirm your benefit entitlements and the name of the person receiving them
• Tick the box that applies to your situation: parent, adopter, surrogate, or guardian
• If applying for a child not your own, explain the relationship and responsibility
• Include the baby’s due date or date of birth
• Ask a healthcare professional to complete the pregnancy confirmation section
  • Either via a MAT B1 form or
  • A written statement confirming pregnancy or childbirth

Before posting, double-check the entire form for errors. Missing information is a common reason for rejected or delayed claims. You can also get help from Jobcentre Plus or a local advice centre to complete it correctly.

Where Do You Send the Completed Maternity Grant Form?

Once your SF100 form is completed and signed by a health professional, it must be posted to the correct address. For residents of England, Wales, and most of Northern Ireland, the form should be sent to:

Freepost DWP SSMG

You do not need a postcode and no stamp is required. This simplified postal process makes it easier and free to apply. If you’re struggling to gather all documents before the deadline, you can still send the form and provide evidence later. DWP will contact you to arrange this.

If you live in Northern Ireland, a different claim form and postal address apply. Be sure to verify that you’re using the correct version for your location. Always keep a copy of the form and proof of postage for your own records in case of any delays or disputes.

What Happens After You Submit Your Sure Start Grant Application?

After your form is received by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the assessment process begins. The time taken for a decision depends on the accuracy of your form and whether you’ve recently applied for certain benefits like Universal Credit.

What to Expect After Submitting:

• A decision letter will be sent to you within 28 days from the date DWP receives your application
• If you’re new to Universal Credit, processing may take longer
• If approved, your grant will be directly deposited into your bank or building society account

Make sure to monitor your post and bank account regularly after submitting the form. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, you can contact the Sure Start Maternity Grant helpline to follow up. Prompt responses to DWP queries can help avoid unnecessary delays.

How Do You Appeal a Rejected Sure Start Maternity Grant Claim?

If your claim is unsuccessful and you believe it was wrongly denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This process starts with a Mandatory Reconsideration, where the DWP re-reviews your case based on the original and any new information.

Steps to Appeal a Decision

• Request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter
• Include any additional documents or clarifications that support your claim
• If DWP upholds the rejection, you can then appeal to an independent tribunal

When You Should Appeal?

• You believe the decision was based on incorrect or incomplete information
• There was a mistake in assessing your benefit eligibility
• Your form or evidence was submitted on time, but not considered correctly

Appeals must be made promptly due to strict deadlines. Support is available from charities, local authorities, and legal advisors to guide you through the process if needed.

Conclusion

The Sure Start Maternity Grant can provide critical financial help for eligible parents and carers preparing to welcome a child. With a simple application process, clear eligibility rules, and no repayment required, the grant is a practical way to get support.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby, adopting, or welcoming multiples, applying on time ensures you don’t miss out on this one-off payment.

FAQs About Sure Start Maternity Grant

Is the Sure Start Maternity Grant considered taxable income?

No, the Sure Start Maternity Grant is not taxable and does not count as income when calculating entitlement to other benefits.

Can a family member apply for the grant on behalf of a teenager?

Yes, a family member can apply if the teenager is under 16, or aged 16 to 19 and in approved education or training, and the family member receives a qualifying benefit.

How long does it take to receive a decision after applying?

Most applicants receive a decision within 28 days of the Department for Work and Pensions receiving the completed application and required evidence.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

If the claim is made after the deadline, 11 weeks before the due date or more than 6 months after birth, it will usually be refused unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Does the maternity grant affect other means-tested benefits?

No, the Sure Start Maternity Grant does not affect any other benefits and is not included in the benefit cap.

Are there alternative formats for the application or guidance?

Yes, you can request information and forms in braille, large print, audio CD, or Easy Read format by contacting the Sure Start Maternity Grant helpline.

Can I get help filling out the SF100 claim form?

Yes, you can call the Sure Start Maternity Grant helpline or visit a local Jobcentre Plus office for assistance with your application.