Surestart Maternity grant advice please

ollysmum

Hi there, I would really apprecaite just a bit of advice on this please. I didn't think I would be eligible for the grant but got my tax credits renewal details through and it showed I was at a higher rate for my credits.

I got the surestart form all filled out and sent off by first class recorded delivery on Monday.

The problem is that my baby was 3 months old on Friday. The reason things all get left late is due to suffering PND I do struggle to get these things done, but I thought sending the form Monday by first class post it would arrive by Friday and at least be stamped as received in time.

However, having checked Royal Mail website today it shows the letter was actually delivered yesterday, Saturday. So 5 days after I posted it, and 1 day after my baby turned 3 months old.

Does this mean I will be automtically rejected? Will I be able to do anything about it as it took so long to deliver?
Thank you for any help!

AsknAnswer

I'm afraid not. It is written in the legislation that the claim form must be received within the prescribed time limits. If the claim is date stamped after the 3 months, it will not be accepted. If it is date stamped before the 3 months it will be accepted.

If you don't get the grant, the only thing you can do it take the issue up with Royal Mail. Your issue is with them, the jobcentre cannot be held responsible for the delays of the postal service.

However to be frank, I really don't think a complaint regards their delivery times would go very far, because they do state quite clearly that recorded delivery (signed for) is 1-3 working days +, and that it is not guaranteed. The only way to guarantee the deliverence of mail within a specific timeframe, and with a comeback if it doesn't happen is by same day courier or special delivery.

Despite how awful PND is, the form is highly unlikely to be accepted as "made on time", due to your illness. PND is relatively common, it is something connected to maternity and therefore not an "exceptional circumstance" in regard to a claim for maternity grant. In cases of severe mental illness, there is usually someone appointed (even if temporarily) to act on anothers behalf, thus making any claims to benefit for them.