2. Sure Start maternity grants
A Sure Start maternity grant is a grant of £500 to help with the costs of a new baby (multiple payments may be made if you are expecting more than one child). You are usually only eligible if there is no child under 16 in the household already, though if you are expecting multiple children, you may get some payment. To qualify you must get:
•income support; or
•income-based jobseeker’s allowance; or
•income-related employment and support allowance; or
•pension credit; or
•child tax credit; or
•working tax credit including a disability or severe disability element; or
•universal credit.
You can also claim if you adopt a child under 12 months. Claim at the local Jobcentre Plus office on Form SF100 up to 11 weeks before the birth or within six months of the birth. If you are waiting to hear about a claim for one of the qualifying benefits, make sure to claim the maternity grant within the deadline. Your entitlement is then protected and the grant can be awarded once the benefit decision is made, although you may need to fill in a second SF100.