Sure Start

By The Maternity Alliance

Who qualifies and how; The Maternity Alliance look at the Maternity Grant from the Social Fund

What is it?
A lump sum payment (a grant which you do not have to pay back) to help buy things for a new baby.

How much is it?
£500.

Who gets it?
Pregnant women and new parents who are getting income-based Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA), Income Support, or Working Tax Credit including a disability element or Child Tax Credit at more than the 'Family Element' - £10.50 or £21 per week if you have a child under one.

How do I claim?
Claim using form SF100 (Sure Start) which you can get from your local Jobcentre Plus. You can claim any time from 11 weeks before the due date until three months after the birth.

Part of the form will need to be completed by your midwife, GP or health visitor. This is to confirm when your baby is due or actually born, and that you have received advice about the health and welfare of yourself or your baby.

If you can't get income-based JSA, Income Support, or the correct amount of Tax Credits until after your baby is born, you must claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant before your baby is three months old.

For more information call Working Families helpline on 0800 013 0313 or see www.workingfamilies.org.uk