Sure Start Maternity Grant - How do I claim a Sure Start Maternity Grant?

In England and Wales

You can download a Sure Start Maternity Grant claim form from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) website . You will need to print the form and return it via post. 

You can also call the Sure Start helpline to order a form (including if you need the form in braille or large print):

• Telephone: 0800 169 0140
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 169 0140
• British Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service 
• Welsh language: 0800 169 0240

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. 

In Northern Ireland

You can download a Sure Start Maternity Grant claim form on the NI Direct website. You will need to print the form and return it via post. 

You can also call the Social Fund Budgeting loans service to order a form (including if you need the form in braille or large print):

• Telephone: 0800 587 2750
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 587 2750
• Irish Sign Language and British Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service 
• Welsh language: 0800 169 0240

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.

What documents will I need to claim a Sure Start Maternity Grant?

You will need to provide evidence of the pregnancy or childbirth from a health professional (such as aa doctor or midwife). They can either:

• fill in a form MAT B1
• write a statement confirming your pregnancy or childbirth

If you are close to the deadline for claiming the grant, you can send in the form without evidence from a healthcare professional, then send the evidence later.

What is the deadline for claiming a grant?

You can claim from the eleventh week before the baby is due and up to six months after the baby is born.

If you are adopting a child the claim must be made within six months of the date of the adoption.