New parents could get up to £1k in free money through little-known scheme

Parenting can be quite costly, especially for couples with multiple kids.

Luckily there's a lot of support out there, including a scheme which could see Brits get up to £500 in free money.

The cash comes via the Sure Start Maternity grant – and in some instances can give up to £1,000.

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You'll have to meet the criteria, including being on certain benefits like Universal Credit and Income Support.

It's always worth checking to see if you're eligible as the money can assist with so many things.

Here's what you need to know about the Sure Start Maternity Grant.

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a payment from the Government and issued to new or expectant parents.

It's designed to help cover the costs of having a child.

To qualify, you'll have to be pregnant with your first child or expecting multiple births and have kids already.

Either you or your partner must also be receiving any of the below benefits:

You may also qualify if you are receiving Support for Mortgage Interest loan.

How much you get depends on your income or the amount you receive on benefits.

For example, you can usually only get one of the grants if you have no other children under 16.

You might be able to get £500 if you're expecting twins or the child you're caring is for someone else.

Alternatively, you can get it if you're claiming for a family member who is under 16.

And you could also get the cash payment if you're adopting a child or becoming a surrogate parent.

Meanwhile, if you already have a child under 16 but you're expecting triplets, you can get a £1,000 grant.

The grants are only available if you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you live in Scotland, you can get help through the Pregnancy and Baby Payment.

To apply, you'll need to fill in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form.

You have to claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby's due date or within six months of its birth.

For example, if you are adopting a child, you must claim within six months of the child being placed with you.

You can claim by post or phone.

If you are claiming by post, you will need to print out the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form.

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