Find A Professional
Understanding the Sure Start Grant Eligibility
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment designed to help low-income families in the UK with the costs of a new baby. This grant can significantly ease the financial pressure on families welcoming a new child. To access this grant, certain criteria must be met.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, you must live in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. The grant is specifically intended for those who are expecting their first child or if you're expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) when you already have children. It is crucial that applicants apply within a certain timeframe—any time from 11 weeks before the baby is due to up to six months after the baby is born.
Benefit Entitlement
The applicant or their partner must be in receipt of at least one of the following benefits to qualify:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (if it includes a disability or severe disability element)
- Working Tax Credit (if it includes a disability or severe disability element)
- Universal Credit
Receiving any of these qualifying benefits at the time of the application is critical, as it aligns with the grant's purpose of supporting low-income families.
Special Circumstances
There are specific situations where eligibility can be slightly modified. For example, if you have already had a child but are now expecting twins or more, you may still qualify. Additionally, if you have become the primary caregiver for a child who is not your own and you have not received a Sure Start Maternity Grant for them before, you may be eligible. This situation can apply after an adoption or taking in a child under kinship care arrangements.
How to Apply
To apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, you must complete a claim form, which can be downloaded from the official government website or acquired from your local Jobcentre Plus. It is essential to submit the form within the application window to ensure eligibility is met. Applications made after the six-month post-birth deadline will not be accepted.
Conclusion
The Sure Start Maternity Grant provides valuable financial support but requires meeting strict criteria. If you believe you are eligible, it is prudent to review the full requirements on the official government website and ensure you apply within the stated timeframes to avoid missing out on this support.
What is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is money given once to help families with little money when a new baby arrives. It helps pay for things a baby needs. You need to meet some rules to get this money.
Who Can Get the Grant?
You can get the grant if you live in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. It is for people having their first baby, or if you are having twins or more and already have children. You must apply between 11 weeks before the baby is due and up to six months after the baby is born.
Benefits You Need to Get the Grant
To get the grant, you or your partner must receive one of these benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (with disability or severe disability money)
- Working Tax Credit (with disability or severe disability money)
- Universal Credit
You need to be getting one of these benefits when you apply for the grant.
Different Situations
Sometimes the rules can be a bit different. If you have a child but are expecting twins or more, you may still get the grant. If you look after a child who is not yours, like through adoption, you might also get the grant. You need to not have got the grant for them before.
How to Get the Grant
To get the grant, you fill out a form. You can get the form online from the government website or at your local Jobcentre Plus. Be sure to send the form in on time. If you apply after six months from when the baby is born, you won’t get the grant.
Final Thoughts
The Sure Start Maternity Grant can really help, but you need to make sure you fit the rules. Check the full rules on the government website and apply on time so you don’t miss out on getting help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sure Start Grant?
The Sure Start Grant is a one-time payment provided by the government to help low-income families with costs associated with a new baby.
Who is eligible for the Sure Start Grant?
Eligibility for the Sure Start Grant typically includes those receiving certain benefits and tax credits, and who are expecting a new baby or have recently had a baby.
Do I have to be on benefits to qualify for the Sure Start Grant?
Yes, generally you must be receiving specific benefits such as Income Support or Universal Credit to qualify for the Sure Start Grant.
Can a first-time mother apply for the Sure Start Grant?
First-time mothers can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria related to benefits and other conditions.
Are there income restrictions for the Sure Start Grant?
Yes, the Sure Start Grant is typically aimed at low-income families, determined by the receipt of certain benefits or tax credits.
Is there a deadline to apply for the Sure Start Grant after the baby is born?
Yes, you must apply within six months of your baby’s birth.
Can fathers apply for the Sure Start Grant?
Yes, the child’s father can apply if he meets the eligibility requirements.
Can I apply for the Sure Start Grant if I adopt a child?
Yes, adoptive parents may qualify if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Does the Sure Start Grant apply to multiple births?
Yes, you can receive a grant for each child in the case of multiple births such as twins or triplets.
Do I need to show proof of my expected delivery date to apply?
Yes, you will generally need to provide a maternity certificate or similar proof.
Can someone with a work visa apply for the Sure Start Grant?
Eligibility typically requires being settled in the UK or having indefinite leave to remain.
Can a grandparent apply for the Sure Start Grant?
A grandparent may be eligible if they are the primary caregiver and meet other eligibility criteria.
If I have already received a Sure Start Grant for a previous child, can I apply again?
You may be able to apply for subsequent children if you meet the criteria at the time of each child's birth.
Are refugees eligible for the Sure Start Grant?
Refugees might be eligible if they receive certain benefits and meet other criteria.
Is there a limit to the number of grants a family can receive?
There is typically a limit of one grant per child, but you can apply again for each new child if eligible.
Do you have to repay the Sure Start Grant?
No, the Sure Start Grant does not need to be repaid.
What happens if my application for the Sure Start Grant is denied?
You can request a review of the decision or appeal if you believe it was made in error.
Can legal guardians apply for the Sure Start Grant?
Legal guardians may be eligible if they meet the required criteria.
Does the Sure Start Grant affect other benefits I receive?
The Sure Start Grant is usually not counted as income for other benefits.
How do I apply for the Sure Start Grant?
Applications can typically be made through a government website or by filling out a form available at certain service locations.
What is the Sure Start Grant?
The Sure Start Grant is money to help when a baby is born. It helps families who need it most. If you have a new baby, you might get this money.
Here are some tips to help understand and get the grant:
- Ask someone to explain it to you.
- Use a calculator to see if you can get the money.
- Write down questions to ask when you call about it.
The Sure Start Grant is money you get from the government one time. It helps families with little money pay for things when they have a new baby.
Who can get the Sure Start Grant?
You can get the Sure Start Grant if you get certain benefits or tax credits. This is for when you are having a new baby or just had a baby.
Do I need to get benefits to get the Sure Start Grant?
Yes, you usually need to get certain benefits like Income Support or Universal Credit to get the Sure Start Grant.
Can a first-time mum get the Sure Start Grant?
If you are going to have your first baby, you might want help with money.
You can ask for the Sure Start Grant. This is money to help you buy things for your new baby.
If you need help with reading, you can ask someone you trust to read this for you.
You can also try using audiobooks or speech-to-text tools to help understand the information.
If you are going to be a mom for the first time, you can apply if you meet the rules. These rules are about benefits and other things you need to have.
Can everyone get the Sure Start Grant?
Yes, the Sure Start Grant is usually for families who do not have a lot of money. These families need to get certain benefits or tax credits to qualify.
When do I need to apply for the Sure Start Grant after my baby is born?
You must apply for the Sure Start Grant before your baby is 6 months old.
Some helpful tips:
- Use a calendar to mark the last day you can apply.
- Ask a friend or family member to help you remember the date.
Yes, you need to apply in the first six months after your baby is born.
Can dads get the Sure Start Grant?
Yes, the child's dad can apply if he meets the rules.
Can I get the Sure Start Grant if I adopt a child?
You might get money called the Sure Start Grant if you adopt a child. This is to help you with things you need for the new child.
Try doing these:
- Ask someone you trust to help you read forms.
- Use a computer to help you fill out applications.
- Call the grant office to get more information.
Yes, parents who adopt a child can get this help if they meet the rules.
Can I get the Sure Start Grant if I have twins or more babies?
Yes, you can get a grant for each child if you have more than one baby at the same time, like twins or triplets.
Do I need to show something that says when my baby will be born to apply?
Yes, you usually need to give a paper that shows you are having a baby. This is called a maternity certificate.
Can you get the Sure Start Grant if you have a work visa?
To be eligible, you usually need to live in the UK or have permission to stay forever.
Can a grandparent ask for the Sure Start Grant?
A grandparent can get help if they take care of the child most of the time and meet other rules.
Can I get a Sure Start Grant again if I already got one for another child?
If you got a Sure Start Grant before for another child, you can ask for one again for a new baby. Remember, it's a special help for families with babies. You can talk to a helper or a support worker if you have questions.
You can ask for help each time you have a new child if you qualify for it when the baby is born.
Can refugees get the Sure Start Grant?
If you are a refugee, you might get help. This is true if you get some benefits and fit other rules.
Can a family get many grants?
Is there a limit to how many grants a family can have?
Tools that might help:
- Dictionaries can explain hard words.
- Reading tools can read text out loud.
You can usually get only one grant per child. But if you have another child, you can apply for a grant for them too, if you qualify.
Do you need to pay back the Sure Start Grant?
No, you do not have to pay back the Sure Start Grant.
What if they say no to my Sure Start Grant application?
If they say "no" to your application, don't worry. You have options. You can:
- Ask them to look at your application again. This is called an "appeal."
- Get help from places that can give advice. They can help you with what to do next.
- Talk to someone who knows about grants. They can help you understand what went wrong.
Try using tools like pictures or videos to understand better. You can also ask someone you trust to explain it to you.
You can ask someone to look at the decision again or complain if you think it was wrong.
Can a legal guardian ask for the Sure Start Grant?
Legal guardians can get help if they follow the right rules.
Will getting the Sure Start Grant change my other benefits?
The Sure Start Grant is money that usually doesn't change the amount of other benefits you get.
How can I get the Sure Start Grant?
If you want to ask for the Sure Start Grant, follow these steps:
- Get the right form: You need to fill out a form to apply. You can ask for the form by calling the Jobcentre Plus. They can send it to you.
- Fill out the form: Write your details in the form. Make sure it's correct.
- Send the form: Once your form is ready, send it to the address on the form. You can ask someone for help if you find it hard to write.
Helpful tips:
- Ask someone to help you read or fill out the form if you need.
- Use a computer to fill the form if it's easier than writing.
You can usually apply on a government website. You can also fill out a form at some places that offer services.
Useful Links
More Videos of Interestdiagnosis
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.