Grants for a new baby in the UK: Sure Start, Best Start, Baby Box and Baby Bundles
One-off help towards the cost of a new baby is different in each nation. Here is what you can claim, where, and by when.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off £500, usually for a first child, if you or your partner get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related ESA. In Scotland it is replaced by the Pregnancy and Baby Payment, £796.65 for a first child as of October 2026, and every newborn can get a Baby Box.
Which grant applies where you live
| Nation | One-off payment | Food help | Free items |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Sure Start Maternity Grant, £500 | Healthy Start | None nationally |
| Wales | Sure Start Maternity Grant, £500 | Healthy Start | Baby Bundles in eligible areas |
| Northern Ireland | Sure Start Maternity Grant, £500 (own form, on nidirect) | Healthy Start | None nationally |
| Scotland | Pregnancy and Baby Payment, £796.65 for a first child | Best Start Foods | Baby Box for every newborn |
All amounts as of October 2026.
Sure Start Maternity Grant (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
What: a one-off £500 towards the costs of a new baby. It is not repaid and does not affect your other benefits.
Who: usually you must have no other children under 16, and you or your partner must get income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or Universal Credit. A Support for Mortgage Interest loan can also qualify you.
Already have children under 16? You may still qualify, with one of the benefits above, if you are expecting twins or more, if the child you care for is not yours or your partner's and was over 12 months old when that started, if you have refugee status or humanitarian protection or came from Afghanistan or Ukraine (conditions apply), or if you are claiming for a family member under 16 (or 16 to 19 in approved education) having their first child and living with you.
| Children under 16 already | Twins | Triplets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or more, none from a multiple birth | £500 | £1,000 |
| Already had twins | £0 | £500 |
| Already had triplets | £0 | £0 |
Adoption, surrogacy and guardianship: a grant may be possible if the baby is under 1 when you claim, for example with a parental order or an adoption placement.
How to claim
- Between 11 weeks before your due week and 6 months after the birth.
- Fill in form SF100 and send it with a MatB1 or a statement from your midwife or doctor to Freepost DWP SSMG (no stamp or postcode). Near the deadline, send the form first and the evidence later.
- Decision within 28 days of DWP receiving the form and evidence (longer after a new Universal Credit claim).
- Helpline 0800 169 0140 (Welsh 0800 169 0240), Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm.
Northern Ireland has a different form and address, on nidirect.
Scotland: Pregnancy and Baby Payment
If you live in Scotland you cannot get the Sure Start Maternity Grant. Social Security Scotland pays the Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead:
- £796.65 for your first child (your oldest child under 16, including a stepchild or a child you have taken over looking after), £398.35 for a later child, as of October 2026. The higher amount can apply in some situations, for example after leaving home because of domestic abuse.
- Twins: £1,593.35 in total with no other children under 16, £1,195.05 with other children. Triplets add £398.35.
- When: from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy until the baby is 6 months old.
- Who: you or your partner normally get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Pension Credit, income-based JSA or income-related ESA. Child Benefit alone does not count. Under 18s do not need a benefit.
- It can still be paid after a stillbirth or a baby's death, and nothing paid in pregnancy is repaid.
Scotland: Best Start Foods
A prepaid card topped up every 4 weeks for healthy food: £22.40 in pregnancy, £44.80 for each baby under 1, £22.40 for each child aged 1 to 3 (as of October 2026). Apply as soon as you know you are pregnant, on the same Social Security Scotland form (free phone 0800 182 2222).
Scotland: the Baby Box
Every newborn in Scotland can get one if you are registered with a midwife and live in Scotland. Your midwife fills in the card with you at the 18 to 20 week or 28 week appointment, and the box arrives between 4 weeks before your due date and the due date. It holds clothes from newborn to 6 months, thermometers, a bath towel, a changing mat and books, and the box itself has a mattress, a mattress protector and 2 fitted sheets.
Wales: Baby Bundles
A Welsh Government programme for eligible families. Your midwife checks eligibility around 16 weeks and registers you around 25 weeks; the bundle arrives between 32 and 34 weeks. It includes baby clothes to 6 months, maternity and nursing pads, cellular blankets, a hooded towel, bibs, muslins and a teether. Contact centre: 0800 2545324.
Good to know. If you qualify for one of these grants, you very probably qualify for Healthy Start or Best Start Foods too, and possibly Maternity Allowance. Check them together.
Questions parents ask
How much is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
£500 as of October 2026, paid once and never repaid. With twins or triplets, and children already at home, it can be £500 or £1,000 depending on your situation.
When can I apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
From 11 weeks before the week your baby is due until 6 months after the birth, on form SF100 with evidence from your midwife or doctor.
Can I get the Sure Start Maternity Grant in Scotland?
No. In Scotland you apply for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment instead, from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy until the baby is 6 months old.
Who gets a Baby Box?
Every newborn in Scotland whose parent is registered with a midwife and lives in Scotland. Your midwife registers you at the 18 to 20 week or 28 week appointment.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Sure Start Maternity Grant checked October 13, 2026
- GOV.UK — Sure Start Maternity Grant: eligibility checked October 13, 2026
- GOV.UK — Sure Start Maternity Grant: how to claim checked October 13, 2026
- mygov.scot — Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods checked October 13, 2026
- mygov.scot — Scotland's Baby Boxes checked October 13, 2026
- GOV.WALES — Baby Bundles checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.