Maternity Grant for parents and prospective parents on a low income

Can I get a Sure Start Maternity Grant?

You may be able to get one of these grants if your baby or your dependant’s baby is due soon, or was born in the past 3 months.

You can also claim if you have:

• recently adopted a young baby
• in certain circumstances, been granted a residence order for a baby, or
• been granted a parental order for a surrogate birth.

You, or your partner, must be getting one of these benefits:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit which includes a disability or severe disability element
• Child Tax Credit, at a higher rate than the family element

When do I claim?

• If you or your dependant are expecting a baby or have recently had a baby, you must claim during the period from 11 weeks before the baby is due until the baby is 3 months old.
• If you are adopting a baby or have been granted a residence order in respect of a baby, you can apply for a grant as long as the baby is not more than 12 months old when you apply. You must apply within 3 months of the date of the adoption or residence order.
• If you and your spouse have been granted a parental order for a surrogate birth you must apply within 3 months of the date of the parental order.

If you have claimed one of the benefits that you need to be on to get this grant and you are waiting for a decision, you must still claim within the time limits above.

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