Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Runs Universal Credit, State Pension, disability benefits and Jobcentre Plus, and issues National Insurance numbers.
Home » Benefits and pensions » Sure Start Maternity Grant
Sure Start Maternity Grant
A one-off payment you do not pay back, usually for your first child (or a multiple birth), if you or your partner get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related ESA. In Scotland, apply for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: Sure Start Maternity Grant www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant | England, Wales |
| mygov.scot: Best Start Grant and Pregnancy and Baby Payment www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods | Scotland |
| nidirect: Sure Start Maternity Grant www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/social-fund-sure-start-maternity-grant | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Social Security Scotland
Pays Scottish benefits such as Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant.
Step by step
- Check you or your partner get a qualifying benefit and that you usually have no other children under 16.
- Claim from 11 weeks before the week your baby is due, and no later than 6 months after the birth.
- Fill in form SF100 and post it with evidence of the pregnancy or birth from a doctor or midwife.
- You should get a letter with the decision within 28 days of DWP receiving your form.
- In Northern Ireland there is a different form and address (nidirect). In Scotland apply to Social Security Scotland.
What you need
- Form SF100
- A MATB1 form or a statement from your doctor or midwife confirming the pregnancy or birth
- Details of the benefit you or your partner get
Common mistakes
- Missing the deadline of 6 months after the birth.
- Holding the form back while waiting for the medical evidence: you can send it first and provide the evidence later.
- Applying for this grant in Scotland, where the Pregnancy and Baby Payment applies.