Claim Your £1,000 DWP Grant: Welcoming a new baby is a life-changing and joyful event, but it can also come with a host of new financial pressures. Fortunately, the UK government offers financial support to help new parents with the costs of having a child. If you’re expecting or have recently given birth, you could be eligible to receive up to £1,000 in financial support through the Sure Start Maternity Grant, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This article provides an in-depth, easy-to-follow guide on the Sure Start Maternity Grant, including eligibility rules, how much you can receive, and a complete breakdown of how to apply. We also explore additional financial resources available to new parents and answer common questions. Whether you’re a first-time mum, a foster parent, adopting a newborn, or having twins, this guide is for you.
Claim Your £1,000 DWP Grant
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | Sure Start Maternity Grant |
| Managed By | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Payment Amount | £500 per child (up to £1,000 for twins) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on income-related benefits and family status |
| Application Window | From 11 weeks before birth to 6 months after |
| Repayment Required | No – it’s a tax-free, one-off grant |
| Official Website | gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant |
Becoming a parent is a beautiful journey, and the Sure Start Maternity Grant is here to make that journey a little more manageable financially. With up to £1,000 available for qualifying families, this grant can help ease the burden of baby-related expenses and allow new parents to focus on bonding with their child instead of stressing over money.
Don’t let the opportunity pass you by. If you’re eligible, download the form, speak to your midwife, and submit your application. The help is available—you just have to claim it. For complete instructions, visit the official government website: gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant.
What Is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off, non-repayable payment to help new parents or guardians with the costs of caring for a newborn. It is intended for low-income families or individuals receiving specific benefits. Unlike loans, this grant is completely tax-free and won’t impact your entitlement to other state benefits.
This grant can help cover baby essentials such as:
- Clothes for newborns
- Nappies, wipes, and baby toiletries
- Cot, mattress, bedding, and baby furniture
- Pushchairs or prams
- Feeding equipment (bottles, breast pumps, sterilizers)
- Car seats
Whether you are preparing for your first child or adopting an infant, this support helps you get started with the right supplies and peace of mind.
Who Is Eligible for the Grant?
To qualify for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, you must meet both benefit-related and family-status criteria.
You or your partner must receive one of these benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (with a child element)
- Working Tax Credit (including a disability or severe disability element)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
AND one of the following must apply:
- You’re expecting your first child.
- You are having twins, triplets, or more, regardless of previous children.
- You’ve recently adopted a baby under 12 months old.
- You’ve become responsible for a baby under 1 through fostering, surrogacy, or a kinship care arrangement.
Exceptions:
If you already have children under 16, you may still qualify if:
- You’re expecting multiple births and haven’t previously had a multiple birth.
- You’re adopting or becoming responsible for a baby and don’t have other children under 12 months.
- You’ve received refugee or humanitarian protection status.
For complete eligibility guidelines, always refer to the DWP’s official eligibility page.
How Much Can You Receive?
The payment is £500 per qualifying child:
- £500 for your first child
- £1,000 for twins if they are your first children
- £500 for an additional child if you already have children and are expecting multiples
Remember: you only need to apply once. If approved, you’ll receive a lump sum payment directly to your bank account. You don’t need to report this grant as income when calculating other benefit entitlements.
When and Claim Your £1,000 DWP Grant Apply
Timing is important. The application window opens 11 weeks before your expected due date and closes 6 months after your child’s birth. For adoptions or similar circumstances, you must apply within 6 months of gaining responsibility for the child.
Claim Your £1,000 DWP Grant Application Instructions
1. Download or Request the Form
Visit the DWP form page to download form SF100 or request a copy from your local Jobcentre Plus.
2. Complete Your Personal and Benefit Information
Make sure your details match what the DWP has on record. Include your National Insurance number, your partner’s information (if applicable), and your current benefit status.
3. Health Professional Section
Ask your midwife, GP, or health visitor to complete and sign the health professional section on page 10 of the form.
4. Submit Your Application
Mail your form to: Freepost DWP SSMG (No stamp or postcode required)
You can also submit it at your local Jobcentre Plus office.
5. Proactive Tip
If you’re close to the deadline and don’t have the health section completed, submit the form anyway. The DWP will follow up for that information if needed.
How Long Until You Receive the Payment?
Once submitted, most claims are processed within 5 to 10 working days. The grant is paid via direct deposit into your nominated bank account. If any sections are incomplete, the DWP will contact you for clarification.
To avoid delays, double-check all form fields before submitting, and make sure your banking details are accurate.
Additional Financial Help for New Parents
The Sure Start Maternity Grant is not the only support available to parents in the UK. Here are several other programs and resources worth exploring:
Healthy Start Scheme
- Vouchers or prepaid cards to help buy healthy food, milk, and vitamins
- Eligibility depends on income and benefits status
- Learn more: Healthy Start NHS
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- Up to 39 weeks of paid leave for employed new mums
- Employers handle payments
- Learn more: Statutory Maternity Pay
Maternity Allowance
- Support for self-employed women or those not eligible for SMP
- Paid for up to 39 weeks
- Info here: Maternity Allowance
Child Benefit
- Regular payments to help with the cost of raising a child
- Currently: £24.00/week for the first child, £15.90 for others
- Apply: Child Benefit
FAQs On Claim Your £1,000 DWP Grant
Can I get this grant if I already have children?
Generally no, unless you’re having a multiple birth or becoming responsible for a child under 12 months through adoption or kinship care.
How will I receive the money?
The payment is made via direct deposit to your bank account.
Do I need to repay the grant?
No. The Sure Start Maternity Grant is not a loan, and you won’t have to pay it back.
Will it affect my Universal Credit or other benefits?
No. This grant is tax-free and does not count as income.
What if I miss the deadline?
Late submissions are not accepted. Apply within the specified timeframe to ensure you qualify.
