SURE START MATERNITY GRANT The Sure Start Maternity Grant from the Social Fund is a one-off payment to help towards the costs of a new baby. You can get a Sure Start Maternity grant if you or your partner or your civil partner are claiming any of the following benefits: - Income support
- Income based Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit - where the disability or severe disability element is included in the award
- Child Tax Credit - awarded at a rate higher than the family element
And if one of the following applies to you: - You or your partner or civil partner are pregnant or have given birth within the last three months
- You or your partner or civil partner have adopted a child, or in certain circumstances have been granted a residence order for a child, within the last three months and the child is less than one year old
- A parental order for a surrogate birth has been granted within the last three months
- You are getting benefit for a dependant under the age of 20 who is pregnant or has given birth within the last three months
The claim can be made between the 29th week of pregnancy and up until the child is 3 months old. The grant amounts to £500. In the case of a multiple birth, the mother will receive £500 for each baby. In the case of adoptive parents, a claim can be made up to 3 months after the baby was placed with you but the baby should not be more than one year old when you claim. If you're waiting for a decision on a qualifying benefit or tax credit, do not delay in making your claim as you must still claim within the 3 month time limit of the date of birth. To obtain a form phone your local Jobs & Benefits Office and ask for Sure Start Maternity Grant Form (SF 100).
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