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Sure Start

Sure Start

am i entitled to sure start maternity grant?

my husband works full time and brings home £17,000 a year, we have four children and are expecting again and was wondering if we are entitled to the sure start maternity grant. we get £9782 in child tax credits a year. will we be able to claim the grant?

Sure Start Maternity Grant

What is it?

A Sure Start maternity grant is a grant of £500 payable from the social fund for each child or expected child that falls within the definition below. It is intended to help you with the costs of a new born baby. It is paid as a lump sum and you do not have to pay it back.
Who is entitled to it?

You are entitled to a Sure Start maternity grant if you or your partner have been awarded one of the following on the day you claim the grant:

Child Tax Credit paid at a rate which exceeds the family element
Working Tax Credit which includes the disability or severe disability element

If you are awaiting a decision on your tax credits entitlement then you should still apply for a maternity grant within the time limits below. If you are in this situation you should seek advice from a local advice agency.

In addition one of the following must apply:

you or a member of your family are pregnant or have given birth in the last three months
you or your partner have adopted a child who is less than 12 months old when you claim a maternity expenses payment;
you and your spouse have been granted a parental order allowing you to have a child by a surrogate mother.

There is also a section for your Health visitor to complete on the form.
When do I apply?

You can claim from 11 weeks before the baby is due and until the baby is three months old.

If you adopt a baby or have a child by a surrogate mother you can claim up to three months following the date of adoption or parental order.

If you are awaiting a decision about your tax credits then you should still apply for a maternity grant within the time limits above. If you are in this situation you should seek advice from a local advice agency.

If you have applied for a grant and have been turned down because you have not had a decision on your tax credit claim, you should submit a new claim for a Sure Start Maternity Grant within 3 months of your tax credit decision. If you think you might be in this situation you should seek immediate guidance from a local advice agency.
How do I apply?

You can get a form from your local Jobcentre Plus office. Alternatively you can download an application form from the Jobcentre Plus website.