Sure Start Maternity Grant Eligibility Calculator 2026

A one-off £500 tax-free payment from the government to help with the costs of a new baby. It's for families on low incomes or receiving qualifying benefits.

You must: be expecting or have recently had your first child (or a multiple birth with no other children under 16); be receiving a qualifying benefit; and apply between 11 weeks before the due date and 3 months after the birth.

Universal Credit, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit (unless you only get the family element).

Complete form SF100 (claim form for Sure Start Maternity Grant). Download from gov.uk or call the Social Fund on 0800 169 0140. Your midwife or health visitor must sign the form.

Generally no — it's for your first baby (or multiple births where you have no other children under 16). There is no provision for second or subsequent single births.

Yes — you must receive a qualifying means-tested benefit. It's not available to those who don't receive any qualifying benefit.

No — it's exempt from consideration as capital or income for other benefit purposes.

In Scotland, the Best Start Grant replaces the Sure Start Maternity Grant. If you receive the Scottish Best Start Pregnancy and Baby Grant, you cannot also claim Sure Start Maternity Grant.

Late claims are not accepted unless you have a good reason (e.g., medical emergency or exceptional circumstances). Contact the Social Fund to explain.

Wales and Northern Ireland: yes, the same Sure Start grant applies. Scotland: replaced by the Best Start Grant administered by Social Security Scotland.

Yes — if you're self-employed and receiving qualifying benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Tax Credits), you can claim the grant.

The qualifying benefit test is on the household, not individual income. If your household receives one of the qualifying benefits, you may be eligible.