Much of the time, the introduction to motherhood can be one of life’s greatest treasures for a woman. Yet with that can also come financial difficulties, especially during those early months after the birth.
To help easy some of this burden, the UK’s DWP has initiated a programme under which new mothers are given an amount of £1,000 as a Sure Start Maternity Grant. This one-off payment might make a huge difference for those qualifying families who find themselves needing further help in the early stages of motherhood.
This guide will try to accommodate everything regarding the £1,000 DWP Grant, including who qualifies, how to apply, crucial timelines to remember, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Sure Start maternity grant means; assistance for a family on a one-time payment with no tax deductions from the grant to meet expenses in connection with the delivery of a baby.
Essentially, this one-off grant is government money you can keep in order to help with those immediate costs of child raising. Because it is tax-free, it will not be counted toward any benefits you receive now or in the future.
The grant is issued through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and does not have to be repaid. In the best interests of the individual, receiving the grant will not affect any other benefits or tax credits received by the individual.
Who Gets the 1,000 Grant DWP?
Part of the eligibility requirement states that expectant mothers must have other children already living in her home. These other children may include twins or triplets.
Moreover, at least one of the under-noted allowances must be in payment for you or your partner:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit (including a disability element)
If you are a couple, then you may get this grant if your partner is getting any of the above benefits.
Guidelines for Multiple Pregnancy Subsidies
You could also be eligible for the maternity grant if your current children are for twins or triplets:
For twins, it amounts to £500.
The amount keeps on rising for triplets.
There usually is a higher monetary value when giving birth to three children together as it is because the financial burden becomes a lot more in having more than one child at a time.
When’s the Last Day for Application?
An application may be filed from eleven weeks before the due date of the child to six months after the birth.
You can apply for adoptive or surrogate parents up to six months after the child comes into your custody.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your opportunity to qualify for the grant.
Application Procedure for the Maternity Grant of £1,000
Below is a comprehensive guide to apply:
- Download the SF100 Claim Form.
The Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim can be downloaded from the gov.uk website. - Have it signed by either professional.
Your midwife, doctor, or health visitor has to confirm your pregnancy and expected due date by completing the appropriate section of the form before sending it out. - Then send in your application through postal mail.
Reasons the Family Needs the Grant
Having a baby is expensive, and the Money Advice Service says that during the first year of life, a baby can cost anything upwards of £6,000 on average. Below is a summary of some of the averages:
- Wipes and Diapers: At least £45 monthly
- Newborn Clothing: £100 – £200 initially
- Pram / Travel System: £200 – £500
- Bedding, including mattress and cot: £150 – £300
- Breast Pumps, Sterilizer’s, Bottles, Feeding Equipment
- Car Seat: Necessary for Transport, Commonly Between £60-£120
In fact, this grant is designed to take low-income households from financial strain to financial stability and free them from worry about how to afford the absolute necessity- rather making parents spend more time nurturing their newborns.
Conclusion:
Family life has very happy and also expensive beginnings. Government wants to make things a bit easy on new mothers and families with the DWP Sure Start Maternity Grant of £1,000. This grant can be used to buy certain necessities for the arrival of your newborn, and it is tax-free and non-repayable.
Just be sure to apply before the deadline so you don’t miss this cash worthy of all importance should you or your partner qualify. It’s a simple process that could make a great difference for you at the times most precious for your life.
FAQS:
Am I allowed to apply when I’m still below 18 years?
Of course. You may be eligible if you’re under 18 and not getting any benefits; it really depends on your circumstances. Talk to your midwife or local support service.
Is this grant valid for just the first child?
Generally, yes, but if you expect twins or triplets and already have children, you may still be considered for a partial grant.
Does applying for this grant change any benefits?
No. The Sure Start Maternity Grant is completely tax-free and does not affect any other benefits or payments you receive.
Can I get aid with filling this out?
Yes! You can get in touch with Jobcentre Plus, your midwife, or a local citizens advice bureau.
