The Sure Start maternity grant is now only available for your first baby
The £500 Sure Start maternity grant is being cut from today. Previously, low income families could claim the £500 for each child. However, the grant is now going to be restricted to the first child only.
Sure Start maternity grants are designed to assist with the initial expense of having a baby, helping towards the costs of buying essential baby gear such as a buggy and cot.
To qualify, you need to be receiving one of a number of benefits, including income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance. Some working tax credit claimants can also qualify.
Charity Family Action are concerned about the effects of this cut on struggling families. “We know from speaking to parents just how vital this money is – helping to provide the essential items which come with a new baby,” warned Family Action’s Chief Executive, Helen Dent.
The change to the maternity grant actually applies from 11 April this year, but because you can apply for the grant 11 weeks before you baby is due, the cuts have been brought in now.
