Sure Start Maternity Grant

Becky19

Hi, I was wondering if somebody could offer me some advice. I'm expecting my first child in January and I'm only entitled to Maternity Allowance. I've done a benefits calculator to see if I'd be entitled to any help and it looks like I'll be able to claim £6.70 per week Universal Credit once baby is here.

Initially I wasn't sure if it was worth the hassle for such a low amount, but I've since been made aware of the Sure Start Maternity Grant. I can see that being in receipt of Universal Credit is one of the eligibility criteria.

My question is will I be able to claim this grant even if I'm on such a low UC amount? I've never claimed any benefits before so I'm a bit lost and worrying about paying bills during my maternity leave. So if I'm entitled to this £500 it would help a lot. 

calcotti

The amount of UC doesn't matter.

If you start receiving UC, however little, you will also likely make yourself eligible for Cost of Living payments next year.

Your UC maximum amount will be the standard allowance, the child element plus any help with rent if applicable. The MA will be deducted in full from the CA. 

Becky19

Thank you for replying @calcotti that's really helpful. I'll definitely put a claim in once I'm eligible. I didn't realise about the cost of living payments either so that's good to know 

peteuk

Don't forget Child benefit…

Jimjim78

Yes, you can get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you have a Universal Credit award of £6.70 per week.

Any Universal Credit award, even 10p would satisfy the criteria of being in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Universal Credit must be awarded for the assessment period that includes the date of the Sure Start Maternity Grant claim and you must also satisfy all of the other conditions of entitlement at the date of the claim. The main one being that there is no other dependent child in your household under the age of 16 (unless you are expecting or have had a multiple birth), this includes step-children.