Sure Start Maternity Grant

piotrmaciej

I am in full time employment, my partner has just given birth to our baby son, she is on maternity allowance, can we put in a claim for the sure start maternity grant?

clairec79

If you have claimed child tax credit then yes (there is an option on the sure start maternity grant form to say you are waiting to hear back from child tax credits but you have to have sent the forms back)

AsknAnswer2

You have to actually be in receipt of it (or an alternative qualifying benefit) to qualify and be awarded, at a rate higher than that of the family element. Although there is a question on the form asking if you are waiting to hear about a claim, no money can be paid until the claimant or their partner is in receipt of the benefit. If you have applied for a qualifying benefit, but not yet received a decision, they will hold the claim until a decision is made on your tax credit.

Anthillmob

no harm in putting in a claim to see if you are entitled.

with my 1st child we were mis-informed and only found out and appealed after the appeal end date so lost out. with our 2nd we did qualify and got the payment.

AsknAnswer2

Oh yes, definately put the claim in - don't wait until you get an answer from tax credit because it may take you over the prescribed time for claiming which would disqualify you.

Just be aware that you may be in for a wait if a qualifying benefit hasn't yet been decided upon.

FRESTER

I sent my claim in three weeks ago and have not had anything back yet.Just wondered if anyone here has claimed and if so how long did it take for your payment to be made.Thanks Teresa

clairec79

I claimed it about 3 months ago - it was just under 4 weeks

FRESTER

Thanks,I will give them another week before I call.

dazzadub

you will get it as you will get family element to start, plus baby element will be added so will take you to higer rate thus entitling you to maternity garnt.

AsknAnswer2

The baby element is included in the family element for an SSMG claim. That is why the SF100 advises if you have a baby under one, you need to be getting more than £1095, but otherwise more than £548.

FRESTER

We will defo get it because we have other children and recieve the max tax credit award with no deductions.