New mums can get one-off £500 grant – but you’ll need to be quick

Having a baby can be quite costly, especially amidst the cost-of-living crisis. Every extra penny is crucial and new mothers can apply for a one-off £500 to assist with the expenses of having a newborn through a lesser-known government scheme. The Sure Start Maternity Grant allows new or expectant mothers to claim up to £500 in free cash. The best part? It doesn’t need to be repaid. This lesser-known government benefit aims to help offset the costs associated with having a baby. However, there are certain specific criteria that must be met to qualify. The grant is designed to provide a much-needed boost to your bank balance when you’re dealing with the financial stress of having a little one. Depending on your specific circumstances, parents may even be entitled to more than the standard £500 payout. For instance, if you already have children under 16 and you’re now expecting twins or triplets, you could be eligible for a £1,000 grant. Or, if you have existing children but are now caring for a family member’s baby, you might also qualify. Sounds appealing, right? Let’s delve deeper into who exactly can avail of this free cash, and how to go about claiming it. Who is Eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant? The Sure Start Maternity Grant is on offer for new or expectant mothers who are on certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit with a disability element. It’s important to note that there’s a limited window to claim – you must do so within 11 weeks before your baby’s due date or within 6 months after the birth. Generally, if you have children under 16, you won’t be eligible unless it’s a multiple birth or you’re caring for someone else’s child. How to apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant The application process for the grant is quite simple. You need to complete the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form, available online or by post. A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or midwife, must complete the statement on page 10 of the form. If pressed for time, submit the form without it, and they’ll follow up. Submit the completed form by post to “Freepost DWP SSMG” or drop it at your local Jobcentre Plus. Then, await a letter confirming the outcome of your claim. For those ineligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, there are other government grants and schemes designed to support new parents managing their finances. For example, you could receive up to £442 annually for food and milk through the Healthy Start Scheme. Also, if you haven’t done so yet, ensure you claim Child Benefit, which is worth up to £1,133 per year. However, be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge if your household income exceeds £50,000. You’ll need to repay some of that money, so it’s advisable to take this into account.