The Regulatory Social Fund is a national government fund administered by the Department for Work and Pensions to people in need of essential items/services. The fund is in two distinct parts: Regulatory and Discretionary. The Regulatory Social Fund covers three types of payment including the Sure Start Maternity Grant

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.

Eligibility
You can get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you or your partner receives any of the following:
•Income Support
•income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
•income-related Employment and Support Allowance
•Pension Credit
•Child Tax Credit
•Working Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element
•Universal Credit

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.


How to claim

1.Print out and fill in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form. A health professional (such as a doctor or midwife) must also sign your claim form.


2.Post it to “Freepost DWP SSMG” - you do not need a postcode or stamp.


You can also take the form to your local Jobcentre Plus, but it can take longer to process.