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New mothers in England and Wales may be entitled to receive a £500 payment through the Sure Start Maternity Grant from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This one-time financial aid is designed to support those expecting their first child or multiple births, and it will not interfere with other benefits or tax credits already claimed.
Eligibility for Sure Start Maternity Grant
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is primarily aimed at first-time mothers or those expecting multiples.
However, the scheme has stricter eligibility criteria for parents who already have children. Here’s an overview of who can apply for this grant:
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the grant, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- No children under 16: You cannot have any other children who are under the age of 16.
- Must be receiving one of the following benefits at the time of application:
- Working Tax Credit (which includes a disability or severe disability element)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Exceptions for Parents with Children Under 16
You may still qualify for the grant even if you have children under 16 under certain conditions:
- The child you’re caring for is not your partner’s, and the child was over 12 months old when the caregiving arrangement started.
- You are claiming for a family member under 16 or between 16 and 19, provided they are in eligible educational programs.
- You are expecting multiple births (twins or more).
- You have refugee status, humanitarian protection, or have recently come to the UK from Afghanistan or Ukraine.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount you can receive from the Sure Start Maternity Grant depends on your circumstances:
- If you are expecting twins, you could receive £500.
- If you are expecting triplets, you may be eligible for £1,000.
- In cases where you already have twins under 16 and are expecting triplets, you could receive £500.
- If you’ve previously had twins or triplets under the age of 16 and are now expecting the same again, you may not be eligible for any payment.
Payments will be made directly into the account where you currently receive benefits, pensions, or other allowances.
How to Apply for the Maternity Grant
To apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, you must submit an application form, including proof of pregnancy or childbirth.
The completed form can be sent to Freepost DWP SSMG, without needing a postcode or stamp. The form should be mailed directly to the address provided.
The Sure Start Maternity Grant provides valuable financial support to mothers expecting their first child or multiple births, offering £500 or more, depending on the situation.
It is important to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation to apply. The grant is a helpful resource to ease the financial burden for new parents.
FAQs
Can I apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant if I already have children under 16?
Yes, you may still qualify if you meet specific criteria, such as caring for a child over 12 months old or expecting multiples.
How much will I receive if I’m expecting twins or triplets?
If you’re expecting twins, you can receive £500, and if expecting triplets, the amount increases to £1,000.
How do I apply for the Maternity Grant?
You can apply by completing an application form and sending it to Freepost DWP SSMG, including proof of your pregnancy or childbirth.