New mums can get up to £500 in free cash that they don’t have to pay back.

The little-known advantage is called Certainly start maternity allowance – a lesser-known benefit available to those who are expecting or have recently given birth.

The DWP explains: “You can get a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of having a baby.

“This is known as a Sure Start Maternity Grant. If you live in Scotland you cannot get a Sure Start Maternity Grant. You can apply for Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.’

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What is the Sure Start Maternity Benefit?

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 available to new or expectant mothers living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

For those in Scotland, another grant is available – more details below.

This grant is designed to help mothers on lower incomes manage the costs of having children. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for more than £500.

In order to receive this state grant, however, you are required to receive certain benefits.

Usually, you can receive the payment if both of the following conditions are met:

– You are expecting your first child, or you are expecting multiple births (such as twins) and already have children.
– You or your partner receive specific benefits (a full list can be found below).

You will NOT be eligible for the grant if you already have children and are only expecting one more child.

The benefit does not have to be paid back and does not affect your other benefits or tax credits, but you must apply for it within 11 weeks before the child’s due date or within 6 months after the birth.

Who is eligible for the grant?

Anyone who has any of the following benefits is eligible for the Sure Start Maternity Grant:

• Income support
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• income-related employment and support allowance
• Pension credit
• Child tax deduction
• Employment tax credits that include a disability or severe disability
• Universal credit

If you receive Support for Mortgage Interest Loans, you may also be eligible for the grant.

How much money will I get?

The amount you receive is determined by your individual situation.

Usually, if you have previously had a child, you will not qualify. However, if you are expecting twins or triplets, you may still be eligible for the one-off payment, even if you already have children.

Most individuals with no other children will receive £500. If you have one or more children under the age of 16, none of whom are from multiple births, and you are now expecting twins, you will receive £500.

If you have previously had twins and are now expecting triplets, you will also receive £500.

On the other hand, if you already have one or more children (none from multiple births) and are now expecting triplets, you can get £1,000.

Eligibility can be somewhat complicated, so it is advisable to verify your eligibility and apply if you qualify for assistance.

How do I apply?

You can apply for the grant by completing the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) application form on the government’s website, by post or by telephone.

You must also have the statement part of the form completed by a doctor or midwife.

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can download a claim form from nidirect.

Once you have applied, you will receive a letter telling you whether your application was successful or not, and the payment will be made into the same account where you normally receive your benefit payments.

What if I live in Scotland?

For mothers-to-be in Scotland, the system is slightly different. Instead of claiming the Sure Start Allowance, you may be eligible for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead.

This is part of 5 family payments you may be able to get from the Scottish Government, and is also part of the Best Start Grant.

Find out more via Scottish Government website here.

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Money saving tips for new parents and parents-to-be

An easy way to spend less (and save money) is to shop at Aldi. Voted the cheapest supermarket – again! – in February 2024 by consumer watchdog As?it’s an easy win.

You can buy bargain fruit and vegetables at the budget chains Super 6 offers. New choices are added every two weeks, and it’s an easy way to eat your five a day, for less. And it’s a cost-saving way to get your weaning baby eat a rainbow for!

And keep an eye out for Aldi’s Super weekly deals also, with quality meat and fish at fantastic prices.

Want to save even more? You are lucky. Aldi Mamia award-winning baby accessories are all loved by parents AND are cheaper than many premium brands. You won’t compromise on quality but you will to save money.