Sure Start Maternity Grant 2026

What Is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?

The Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) is a one-off government payment of £500 per qualifying child to help families on low incomes with the costs of a new baby — nappies, clothing, equipment, and other essentials. It is administered by the DWP's Social Fund and paid directly into your bank account.

The grant is completely tax-free, does not count as income for any means-tested benefit, and does not need to be repaid. It has no impact on Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Tax Credits, or Housing Benefit. The amount has remained at £500 per child since 2011 and is not subject to annual uprating.

According to GOV.UK guidance on the Sure Start Maternity Grant, around 130,000 grants are paid each year — but the DWP estimates a meaningful proportion of eligible families do not claim, often because they are unaware the grant exists or miss the application deadline.

Eligibility — Both Conditions Must Be Met

There are two conditions. You must satisfy both to receive the grant.

• 1
  You (or your partner) receive a qualifying benefit You must be receiving at least one qualifying benefit at the time you claim the grant. See the full list below.
• 2
  No other children under 16 live with you — or this is a multiple birth The grant is limited to your first child. If you already have children under 16, you can only receive a grant if you are expecting twins, triplets, or more — and only for the "extra" babies beyond the first.
• !
  Timing — you are pregnant or have recently given birth You must claim within the window: from 11 weeks before your due date to 6 months after the birth. See the deadline section below.

Which benefits qualify?

You or your partner must be receiving at least one of these at the time of the claim:

How Much You Receive — Including Twins & Triplets

The grant is £500 per qualifying child. For a single baby the answer is always £500. For multiple births, the amount depends on how many other children already live with you.

Worked examples

The Claim Deadline — Do Not Miss the Window

The claim window is fixed and the DWP has no discretion to accept late claims. If you miss the 6-month deadline after birth, you cannot receive the grant regardless of circumstances.

How to claim — form SF100

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is claimed using form SF100. You can get the form in two ways:

• Download and post: Download form SF100 from GOV.UK — Sure Start Maternity Grant claim. Complete it and post it to the address on the form. Have your midwife, GP, or health visitor sign the form to confirm your pregnancy or birth.
• By phone: Call the Social Fund on 0800 169 0140 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm) to request the form or ask about telephone claims. This is often faster than postal claims.

What you will need

• Your National Insurance number
• Your bank account details
• Details of the qualifying benefit you receive (reference number if possible)
• Your maternity certificate (MAT B1) — issued by your midwife or GP after 20 weeks of pregnancy — or proof of birth (birth certificate or hospital letter) if claiming after the baby is born
• For multiples: a letter confirming the multiple birth from your midwife or hospital

How long does payment take?

Most successful claims are paid within 2–4 weeks of the DWP receiving your completed form. If you claim in late pregnancy, the payment is made to you immediately — you do not have to wait until after the birth. For claims submitted after the birth, payment is usually within a few weeks of the DWP confirming your eligibility.

Who Counts as a Child Already in Your Household?

The "no other children under 16" rule is applied broadly. The following all count as children living with you for the purposes of the SSMG:

• Your own biological children
• Your partner's children from a previous relationship — if they live with you
• Adopted children or children you have parental responsibility for
• Foster children placed permanently with you
• A child for whom you already receive Child Benefit

The following do not count:

• A child who lives elsewhere with the other parent (for example, a child from a previous relationship who visits but does not live with you)
• A child aged 16 or over (even if they still live with you)
• A child who is in care and not living in your household

If Your Claim Is Refused

The DWP can refuse an SSMG claim if they determine you do not meet the eligibility conditions — most commonly because they conclude a child already lives with you, or because you are not receiving a qualifying benefit at the right rate.

If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of the refusal letter. Submit it in writing, including any evidence that was not considered — for example, confirmation that a child lives elsewhere, or clarification of your Tax Credit award rate.

If the Mandatory Reconsideration upholds the refusal, you can appeal to an independent First-tier Tribunal. Citizens Advice provides free help with Social Fund appeals and can review whether the DWP has applied the household rules correctly.

Other Financial Support for New Parents

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is one of several sources of support available during and after pregnancy. New parents on low incomes should also check:

• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP): Paid for up to 39 weeks — 90% of average earnings for 6 weeks, then £187.18/week for 33 weeks (2026 rate). Available if you have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date.
• Maternity Allowance: For those who do not qualify for SMP — for example, self-employed people or those who have recently changed jobs. Same weekly rate of £187.18 for up to 39 weeks.
• Child Benefit: £27.05 per week for your first child from April 2026. Claim as soon as possible after birth — backdated by up to 3 months.
• Universal Credit child element: If you are on UC, your award increases when a new child is added. The child element is £287.92–£333.33/month per qualifying child.
• Tax-Free Childcare: Government top-up of 20% on childcare costs — up to £2,000 per child per year. Available once you return to work.
• Healthy Start vouchers: Weekly food and vitamin vouchers for pregnant women and families with children under 4 who receive qualifying benefits. Apply at healthystart.nhs.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions