Living Abroad

Sure Start Maternity Grant: £500 One-Off Payment for New Parents

2 min read

In this guide
  1. What is it?
  2. Who usually qualifies?
  3. What if you already have children under 16?
  4. How much for twins or triplets?
  5. Special rules for refugees and others
  6. When must you claim?
  7. Related support
  8. Common mistakes
  9. FAQ
    1. Does it affect my other benefits?
  10. Key takeaways
  11. Related guides
  12. Sources

Quick answer: The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off £500 payment towards the costs of having a child. You don’t have to pay it back and it won’t affect your other benefits. You usually qualify if it’s your first child (or you’re expecting a multiple birth and already have children) and you or your partner get certain benefits. You must claim within 11 weeks of the due date or 6 months after the birth.

What is it?

A £500 grant. If you live in Scotland you can’t get it; you can apply for a Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.

Who usually qualifies?

You usually must have no other children under 16, and you or your partner must get one of these benefits:

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
  • Pension Credit.
  • Universal Credit; see our Universal Credit guide.

You may also qualify if you get a Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

What if you already have children under 16?

You may still qualify if you or your partner get one of those benefits and any of the following apply:

  • You’re expecting a multiple birth.
  • The child you’re caring for is someone else’s (not your partner’s) and was over 12 months old when the arrangement began.
  • You have refugee status, humanitarian protection, or came to the UK from Afghanistan or Ukraine.
  • You’re claiming for a family member under 16, or 16 to 19 and in certain types of education or training.

How much for twins or triplets?

Children under 16 already Twins Triplets
1 or more (none from multiple births) £500 £1,000
Already had twins £0 £500
Already had triplets £0 £0

Special rules for refugees and others

You can get a grant for your first child born in the UK if you have refugee status or humanitarian protection, left Afghanistan because of the collapse of the Afghan government on 15 August 2021, or were resident in Ukraine immediately before 1 January 2022 and left because of the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022.

When must you claim?

Within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within 6 months after the birth. The money is paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

Also look at Child Benefit, maternity pay and registering a birth.

Common mistakes

  • Missing the claim deadline.
  • Assuming you qualify without a qualifying benefit.
  • Applying from Scotland.

FAQ

Does it affect my other benefits?

No, GOV.UK says it won’t.

Key takeaways

  • £500, not repayable.
  • Needs a qualifying benefit.
  • Claim within the deadline.

Last updated: October 2026. General information. Check GOV.UK for current rules.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Sure Start Maternity Grant

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