Benefits Robin

Sure Start Maternity Grant

Benefits RobinBenefits Robin team · Updated February 2026

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of having a new baby. It does not need to be repaid. The grant is designed to help low-income families with essential items such as a pram, cot, car seat, and baby clothes.

To qualify, you need to be receiving a qualifying benefit — such as Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element, Working Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element, or Universal Credit. You also need to be expecting your first child, or expecting a multiple birth (twins, triplets, etc.) even if you already have children.

You can claim from 11 weeks before your due date up to 6 months after the birth (or adoption). Claims are made using form SF100, which can be downloaded from GOV.UK or obtained from your Jobcentre or midwife. You need a statement from your midwife or health visitor confirming they have provided advice about the baby's health and welfare.

The grant is paid as a single lump sum into your bank account. It does not affect any other benefits you receive. If you are expecting twins, you receive one payment of £500 (not £500 per baby). The grant is available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — Scotland has its own Best Start Grant which may offer more.

Maximum amount

£500 one-off

Means-tested

Yes

Age group

Any age

Processing time

2 to 4 weeks

Key Requirements

  • 1Expecting your first child (or multiple birth)
  • 2Receiving a qualifying benefit
  • 3Claim within 11 weeks before or 6 months after the birth

How to Apply

  1. 1Download form SF100 (Sure Start Maternity Grant) from GOV.UK
  2. 2Complete the form — you will need a health professional to sign part of it
  3. 3Post the completed form to the Jobcentre Plus address on the form
  4. 4You can claim from 11 weeks before your due date up to 6 months after the birth

What you may need

  • Form SF100
  • Confirmation from a midwife, health visitor, or doctor (they sign the form)
  • Proof that you receive a qualifying benefit (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit)
  • Your National Insurance number

Helpful tips

  • This is normally only available for your first child — but exceptions apply for multiple births or if you are adopting
  • Claim as early as possible, as you cannot apply after your child is 6 months old
  • You can claim alongside other maternity-related benefits

Form

SF100

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

Form SF100

Sure Start Maternity Grant claim form

Essential

Health professional confirmation

A midwife, health visitor, or doctor signs part of the SF100 form

Recommended

Qualifying benefit proof

Award letter for Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, or other qualifying benefit

Helpful

Hospital or birth details

Expected due date or actual birth date, and hospital details

Related Benefits

U

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

C

Child Benefit

Universal payment for anyone responsible for a child.

£26.05/wk (first child)

H

Healthy Start

Prepaid card for milk, fruit, and vitamins for pregnant women and families with young children.

Up to £4.25/wk

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant?
People expecting their first child (or a multiple birth) who receive a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit above the family element. You need to claim between 11 weeks before your due date and 6 months after the birth.
How much is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
The grant is a one-off payment of £500. It does not need to be repaid and does not affect your other benefits. If you are expecting multiples (twins, triplets), you still receive one payment of £500.
How do I claim?
Complete form SF100, available from GOV.UK, your Jobcentre, or your midwife. You need a statement from your midwife or health visitor confirming they have advised you about your baby's health and welfare. Post the form to the address shown. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I claim if I already have children?
The grant is usually only for your first child. However, if you are expecting multiples (twins or more) or are becoming responsible for a baby through adoption, you may be able to claim even if you already have children.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.