Overview 

You could get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. This is known as a Sure Start Maternity Grant.  

You usually qualify for the grant if both of the following apply:  

• you’re expecting your first child, or you’re expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already  

• you or your partner already get certain benefits  

You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within 6 months after the baby’s birth. 

You do not have to pay the grant back and it will not affect your other benefits or tax credits. 

See also: 

• What you will get  

• Eligibility  

• How to claim  

For further information on the Sure Start maternity grant, please see GOV.UK's website.