Latest news with #SureStartMaternityGrant
Wales Online
29-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP giving away £500 to new parents if you match one of these 11 categories
DWP giving away £500 to new parents if you match one of these 11 categories The grant is for those who are expecting their first child or having twins or more, to help with financial costs The scheme provides a one-off payment to those expecting their first child or multiples (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) New mums in Wales and England could be eligible to receive up to £500 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the Sure Start Maternity Grant. This scheme provides a one-off payment to those expecting their first child or multiples, offering financial assistance without affecting any other benefits or tax credits claimed. The grant may also be available to parents who already have children under a certain age, although the eligibility criteria are more stringent than for first-time parents. Who can apply for a Maternity Grant? To qualify for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, you must not have any other children under the age of 16. Additionally, you must be claiming one of the following at the time you apply for the grant: Working Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element income-related Employment and Support Allowance Child Tax Credit Pension Credit Universal Credit Income Support income-based Jobseeker's Allowance In some cases, you may still be eligible for the grant even if you have children under the age of 16, but you must meet one of the following criteria: the child you're caring for is someone else's (but not your partner's) and the child was over 12 months old when the arrangement started you're claiming for a family member who's under 16, or 16 to 19 and in certain types of education or training you're expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) you have refugee status, humanitarian protection or you've come to the UK from Afghanistan or Ukraine Article continues below How much you could get from a Maternity Grant. If you have one or more children under the age of 16 and none are the result of multiple births, you could receive £500 if you are having twins and £1,000 if you're having triplets. Furthermore, if you've previously had twins who are still under the age of 16 and are now expecting triplets, you could receive £500. However, if you've previously had both twins and triplets under the age of 16 and are now expecting twins again, you won't be eligible for any grant money. Article continues below This rule also applies if you've previously had triplets who are still under 16 years of age and you're expecting triplets again. All payments from the grant will be directly deposited into the account where you receive any benefits, pensions, or other allowances. How to apply. You must include proof of your pregnancy or childbirth with this application form. The completed form can then be posted to Freepost DWP SSMG - there's no need for a postcode or stamp to send this form.
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Benefit you've never heard of worth £500 for new mums
Plus we share more benefits for new parents OH BABY Benefit you've never heard of worth £500 for new mums – how to claim NEW mums could be missing out on a benefit worth £500. The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a scheme which offers a one-off payment to those expecting their first child or having multiple births such as twins. Advertisement 1 The grant is available to new parents of those expecting twins Credit: Getty Images The money is designed to help you cover the cost of caring for a newborn. The amount you receive can also vary depending on how many babies you are carrying, with parents expecting triplets eligible for £1,000. To qualify for the support, you or your partner must be claiming certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit or Income Support. You must also have no other children under the age of 16, unless you are expecting multiple births. Advertisement Other exceptions include caring for someone else's child and the infant was over 12 months old when the arrangement started. This does include caring for your partner's child. You may also be able to get a grant if you're adopting or becoming a surrogate parent. The baby must be less than 1 year old on the date you claim and you must be claiming benefits to qualify. Advertisement You don't have to pay the grant back and it does not impact your other benefits or tax credits. If you are thinking about applying, you must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby's due date or within 6 months after the baby's birth. Carer Support Payment: New benefit for unpaid Scots How to apply To apply for the support via post, you will need to fill out a Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form. This form needs to be printed off and then posted to 'Freepost DWP SSMG'. You do not need a postcode or a stamp. Advertisement You also need to provide evidence of the pregnancy or childbirth from a health professional, such as a doctor or midwife. They can either fill in a form MAT B1, which they should already have a copy of or write a statement confirming the pregnancy or childbirth. You will get a letter about whether your claim is successful within 28 days. But if you've recently made a new Universal Credit claim, it could take longer. Advertisement What help is available for parents? CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help. 30 hours free childcare - Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week. To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week. To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. Tax credits - For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs. For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs. Childcare vouchers - If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings. You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out. This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers. If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings. You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out. This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers. Tax-free childcare - Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2.
The Sun
27-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Benefit you've never heard of worth £500 for new mums
NEW mums could be missing out on a benefit worth £500. The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a scheme which offers a one-off payment to those expecting their first child or having multiple births such as twins. 1 The money is designed to help you cover the cost of caring for a newborn. The amount you receive can also vary depending on how many babies you are carrying, with parents expecting triplets eligible for £1,000. To qualify for the support, you or your partner must be claiming certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit or Income Support. You must also have no other children under the age of 16, unless you are expecting multiple births. Other exceptions include caring for someone else's child and the infant was over 12 months old when the arrangement started. This does include caring for your partner's child. You may also be able to get a grant if you're adopting or becoming a surrogate parent. The baby must be less than 1 year old on the date you claim and you must be claiming benefits to qualify. You don't have to pay the grant back and it does not impact your other benefits or tax credits. If you are thinking about applying, you must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby's due date or within 6 months after the baby's birth. Carer Support Payment: New benefit for unpaid Scots How to apply To apply for the support via post, you will need to fill out a Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form. This form needs to be printed off and then posted to 'Freepost DWP SSMG'. You do not need a postcode or a stamp. You also need to provide evidence of the pregnancy or childbirth from a health professional, such as a doctor or midwife. They can either fill in a form MAT B1, which they should already have a copy of or write a statement confirming the pregnancy or childbirth. You will get a letter about whether your claim is successful within 28 days. But if you've recently made a new Universal Credit claim, it could take longer. What help is available for parents? CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help. 30 hours free childcare - Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week. To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. Tax credits - For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs. Childcare vouchers - If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings. You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out. This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers. Tax-free childcare - Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Five freebies and discounts parents on Universal Credit can get worth up to £3,286
Check to see what vouchers you could get your hands on CASH IN Five freebies and discounts parents on Universal Credit can get worth up to £3,286 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PARENTS on Universal Credit could be entitled to freebies and deals worth over £3,000. With childcare costs on the rise, looking after growing tots can be challenging. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Family Nature Walk: Parents and Children Enjoying Summer Forest Stroll Credit: Getty But for struggling families there may be some extra cash and perks they can get their hands on - some of which they may never had heard of. Here is what is available... PREGNANCY GRANT - £500 New parents can claim this one-off grant within 11 weeks of the baby's due date or up to six months after the baby is born. It's a payment worth £500 to help with the cost of having a child. Parents will need to print out and fill in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form and have it signed by a doctor or midwife. You could qualify for the Sure Start Maternity grant if you're claiming benefits and expecting your first child. You can also qualify if you have children already and are expecting twins or triplets. HEALTHY START - £442 New or expectant parents can get up to £442 worth of free food a year through the Healthy Start scheme. Anyone more than 10 weeks pregnant or with a child under four years old and on benefits can apply online or via email. The scheme issues parents with a card they can use in supermarkets, which gives them free access to milk, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables and tinned pulses. Disability benefit explained - what you can claim The full list of benefits qualifying you for the scheme is: Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Child Tax Credit with a family income of £16,190 or less per year Pension Credit Universal Credit with no earned income or total earned income of £408 or less per month for the family Parents can also apply for the scheme if you are under 18 and not on any benefits. You can find out more about the scheme in our full guide. FREE CHILDCARE - £1,739 Parents on Universal Credit may also be entitled to help with childcare costs. You'll need to be working - and your partner if you live with them - or have a job offer. But it doesn't matter how many hours you or your partner work. You can get 85 per cent of your expenses paid each month up to a maximum of £1,014 for one child or £1,739 for two or more kids. FREE SCHOOL MEALS - £500 Children whose parents receive income support such as Universal Credit, Job seeker's Allowance and Child Tax Credits can receive free school meals. How you apply depends on your personal circumstances - some people may be able to via their local council, while others might have to speak to their children's school directly. Type your postcode into the Government's website to see who to contact and how to apply at The exact amount you'll get depends on where you live, but the help is worth around £460 on average per child per year, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. If you're eligible for free school meals, you may also get similar help during school holidays including Christmas and Easter, as well as half terms. If your child is eligible for free school meals, they'll also qualify for the Holiday Activity and Food Programme offering kids free activities to take part in outside of school.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Six ways to get the most out of your Universal Credit claim – including £1,900 in boosted cash
We reveal below how you can claim benefits if you haven't already TO YOUR CREDIT Six ways to get the most out of your Universal Credit claim – including £1,900 in boosted cash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit could be missing out on extra free cash to cover the cost of living. Those on the benefit qualify for extra support that can be worth hundreds of extra pounds. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 We reveal below some of the extra help you can get if you're on Universal Credit Credit: Alamy From help via the Household Support Fund (HSF) to a one-off payment for new parents, here's all the help you can get. Household Support Fund - £1,000 The Household Support Fund is a giant pot of cash worth £742million that's been shared between councils in England. Local authorities then have to decide how to distribute their share of the fund, whether that be through direct payments, vouchers or more. Eligibility criteria varies from area to area too, however in lots of cases you'll receive help if you're on benefits like Universal Credit. Read more on Universal Credit RENT SUPPORT Thousands of renters on benefits can get £600 of help with little-known scheme For example, residents in Portsmouth on Universal Credit struggling to afford essentials can apply for payments worth up to £1,000. Households in Calderdale can also get two awards worth £85 each between now and March 31, 2026. Find out what help is on offer in your area by speaking to your local council. You can find your local council via Discounted transport and help with job applications - £150 Those on Universal Credit can get a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount card, cutting public transport costs by 50%. The card is free but you'll need to have been claiming Universal Credit for up to 12 months to apply. Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence You can apply for one of the cards at your local JobCentre which you can find via There's also the Flexible Support Fund, which can cover costs like: Travel to interviews Job training (up to £150) Uniforms, work tools, and childcare One-off maternity payment - £500 New mums on Universal Credit can bag themselves £500 in free cash through the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child and paid to those in England and Wales. You usually qualify if you're pregnant with your first child or are expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already. Find out more about the grant here - Council tax support - £190 You might be able to get a council tax reduction if you're on benefits including Universal Credit. In some cases, your monthly bill might be slashed by 100%. Each council runs its own scheme so there's no set rule across England. You can find out more via and enter your postcode to find your local council. The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2025/26 is £2,280 a year. Divided by 12 months of the year, that means you could save £190 a month based on a 100% discount. Help to Start - £25 Help to Save is a special savings account for those on Universal Credit who earned £1 or more in their last assessment period. The Government gives you a tax-free 50% bonus on whatever you save. You can save between £1 and £50 into a Help to Save account each month and keep one open for up to four years. Bonuses are paid at the end of the second and fourth year and are worth up to £1,200 in total. Per month that's £25. Healthy Start - £36 The Healthy Start scheme provides prepaid cards to buy essentials like milk, fruit, and vegetables. It's for families expecting a baby or that already have children under four and on certain benefits like Universal Credit. You could get up to £442 a year, depending on your circumstances, equating to around £36 a month. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
