DWP £500 Cash Payment for New Parents in England and Wales – Apply Now

The UK government is offering £500 tax-free payments to some new parents across England and Wales. This cash support comes as part of the Sure Start Maternity Grant, which is meant to help low-income families with the costs of having a baby.

What is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-time payment of £500 given by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is designed to support families who are expecting a baby and are already receiving certain benefits or tax credits.

Unlike loans or other financial help, this £500 grant does not need to be paid back. It is also not counted as income, so it won’t affect your other benefit payments.

Who Can Apply for the £500 Maternity Payment?

To be eligible for this £500 DWP cash support, you must:

• Live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland (Scotland offers a different scheme)
• Expect your first child (or you’re having a multiple birth like twins and don’t have other children)
• Be receiving one of the following benefits:
  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element

You must also apply within 11 weeks before your baby is due, or within 6 months after the birth.

Special Cases – When Can You Apply Even If It’s Not Your First Baby?

If you already have children, you can still get the grant if:

• You are expecting twins or triplets, and already have one or more children
• You’re taking responsibility for a child under 1 year old (through adoption or surrogacy)
• You’re becoming responsible for a baby in some special circumstances (e.g., if you’re a family member or guardian)

In these cases, you may still qualify as long as you receive the required benefits.

How to Apply for the £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant

To apply, follow these simple steps:

1. Download the form (SF100) from the official UK government website.
2. Fill out the form with all required details, including your benefit information.
3. If you’re pregnant, get the form signed by a health professional like a doctor or midwife.
4. Post the completed form to:
   Freepost DWP SSMG
   (You don’t need a stamp or postcode)

Make sure all the information is correct, as incomplete forms may delay your payment.

How Will the Money Be Paid?

Once your application is approved, the £500 will be paid directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. It usually takes a few weeks to process, so apply as early as possible within the allowed time window.

What Can You Use the Grant For?

There are no strict rules on how you must spend the grant, but most families use the money to help cover:

• Baby clothes and nappies
• A cot or crib
• Bottles and feeding equipment
• A pram or pushchair
• Maternity supplies

This money is meant to make sure your baby gets a healthy and supported start in life, especially if you’re already managing on a low income.

What About Scotland?

If you live in Scotland, you will not get the Sure Start Maternity Grant. Instead, you can apply for the Best Start Grant, which provides similar financial support for new parents and has multiple payments for different life stages of your child.

Where to Get More Help

If you’re not sure whether you qualify or need help filling out the form, you can:

• Visit your local Jobcentre Plus
• Contact Citizens Advice
• Call the Sure Start Maternity Grant helpline at 0800 169 0140

Final Thoughts

This £500 payment from the DWP can be a huge relief for new parents struggling with the rising cost of living. If you think you might qualify, don’t delay your application. The money is tax-free, doesn’t affect your other benefits, and can go a long way in giving your baby the essentials they need.