Government grant for new parents

Are you pregnant or you’ve just had a baby/babies in the last few months?

Are you unclear about the different funding opportunities open to you?

If you are pregnant with your first child during your studies and need help with buying things for the baby, you might be able to get the government’s Sure Start Maternity Grant, and receive a one-off payment of £500 to help with essential costs.

The money is non-refundable, so you can keep it to buy items such as a pushchair and a cot, which can make all the difference to your household budget.

To be eligible for the grant, this must be your first child, and you must have made an application for child benefit and universal credit. You can apply before the baby is born – within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date, or no more than 6 months after the baby’s birth.

If you aren’t eligible for benefits now, you should wait until the baby is born and then make a claim for Child Benefit and Universal Credit. If you are eligible for Universal Credit, you can apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant within 6 months of the birth of the baby.

Check out the Sure Start Maternity Grant online information, and/or access the SF100 application form

If you would like to discuss your options or get help with the form, then come along to see us in the Student Advice Service and we will be happy to talk to you about it and help with the process.

Student Advice Service