It is easy to miss because of the deadline. You must claim within 11 weeks of the due date or within 6 months after the birth.
Quick facts
- Amount
- £500, one-off
- Usually for
- Your first child
- Benefits needed
- Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related ESA
- Deadline
- 6 months after the birth
- Pay back?
- No
What you get
A Sure Start Maternity Grant is £500 and you do not have to pay it back.
You do not have to pay the grant back and it will not affect your other benefits.
Who can get it — the full rules
Usually, to get a Sure Start Maternity Grant you must have no other children under 16. You or your partner must also get one of these benefits:
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
You may also qualify if you’re getting a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.
If you already have children
You might be able to get the grant if you’re having twins or triplets. How much you’ll get depends on the children you already have.
| Children under 16 | Twins | Triplets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or more, none from multiple births | £500 | £1,000 |
| You have already had twins | Nothing | £500 |
| You have already had triplets | Nothing | Nothing |
You may also qualify if you are caring for someone else’s child, have refugee status or humanitarian protection, or came from Afghanistan or Ukraine.
The deadline
You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within 6 months after the baby’s birth.
If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland
If you live in Scotland you cannot get a Sure Start Maternity Grant. You can apply for a Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead. Northern Ireland has its own grant: see the Sure Start Maternity Grant in Northern Ireland.
Common questions
How much is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
£500, and you do not pay it back.
Can I get it if I already have children?
Usually only if you are expecting twins or more, or in some other cases such as caring for someone else's child.
What is the deadline?
Within 11 weeks of the due date or within 6 months after the birth.
Will it affect my benefits?
No. It will not affect your other benefits.