Changes to Sure Start Maternity Grant

From April 2011 an award of the £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) will be restricted to the first child. SSMGs are currently payable for each child born to mothers in families in receipt of an income related benefit or certain tax credits.

The change will apply to babies born on or after 11 April 2011. Because applications for SSMGs can be made from 11 weeks before the expected birth to 3 months after the birth there will be a transitional period starting in January 2011 when women expecting a second or subsequent baby on or after 11 April 2011 may apply. These applications will be refused.

Payments under existing rules, i.e. where a second or subsequent child is born on or before 10 April 2011 will continue to be made until July 2011.

Further information can be found at:

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/YourMoney/DG_4003046