Sure Start Maternity Grant- Would I qualify?x

TiedInChainsOfDebt

Hi there

I have a new baby due in April, and am really quite worried how we are going to afford the initial expense (pram, cot, clothes etc)

I have heard of this grant, I never claimed it with my first baby so dont know anything about it.

As a household, we take home just over £1,400 a month (approx 520 of that being tax credits)

What do you think my chances are of being awarded this grant??
Thank you

mum2one

try the website www.entitledto.com or go on DHSS website and follow the links through.

if you are sucessful its £500.00 one off payment

Keeping_Positive

I was able to claim because we were entitled to tax credits although this was 5 years ago. I think its called sure start grant and you can claim from around 30 weeks pregnant up until babe is 3 months old. It was an easy form you had to get signed by the midwife or doctor. Try this link.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018854

DaisyFlower

If £520 is basic tax credits you wont qualify unfortunately, you have to be in receipt of more than the family element.

pookienoodle

Hi,
I was unable to claim this when pregnant as i was working so our income was too high.
however when the baby was born i was on maternity leave and so then qualified.

TiedInChainsOfDebt

Im not too sure on what the higher element stuff is about lol

My partner gets £80 working tax credit a week and I recieve £40 Child Tax Credit a week- if this helps?

x

Keeping_Positive

I would say you qualify then. Download the form and fill it in, the worst you get nowt the best £500! I wasnt sure about the higher element bit when I just read it but took it to mean the minimum £50 ish a month. Cant remember how much TC I was getting when I claimed.

mum2one

Also worth atry if you dont qualify b4 youve had the baby tryagain after as the figures you need to live on may of changed, get the forms, ready asmuch filled in as you can and go from there. x

bestpud

I'm pretty sure you will be able to get it too.

You have nothing to lose by applying anyway.

Good luck.

DaisyFlower

Who can get the grant?

You can get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you or your partner are getting:

• Income Support
• Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit at a higher rate than family element or
• Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award

From reading the tax credits site, the family element is described as

• a family element paid to any family with at least one child and worth up to £545 (2007-2008 tax year)
• a child element paid for each child in the family and worth up to £1,845 (2007-2008 tax year)

If you get the basic allowance of £40 approx a month, then the grant doesnt apply - if you get more (CTC not WTC) then you'll qualify.

Keeping_Positive

Thats what I suspected DaisyFlower thanks for looking into it more. OP gets more than the basic £40 a month so should be able to claim.