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Grants and payments for a new baby: what you can claim across the UK

Three separate payments can help around the birth of a baby, and which you can claim depends on where you live and your work. The Sure Start Maternity Grant covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Scotland has its own Best Start Grant, and Maternity Allowance is for people who don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. Find what applies to you below.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Sure Start Maternity Grant

Who it's for
You or your partner get a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit, and usually have no other child under 16. England, Wales and Northern Ireland only.
What you get
A one-off £500 payment. If you already have a child under 16, triplets can get £1,000.
How to claim
Fill in form SF100 from gov.uk, from 11 weeks before the due date up to 6 months after the birth. Northern Ireland uses its own form.
Full eligibility rules and how to apply

Scotland

Best Start Grant (Scotland)

Who it's for
People in Scotland getting a qualifying benefit or tax credit, such as Universal Credit, or anyone under 18 who is pregnant or a parent.
What you get
Three one-off payments: pregnancy and baby (£796.65 first child, £398.35 later children), early learning (£331.95) and school age (£331.95).
How to claim
Apply online, by phone or on paper through Social Security Scotland. One form covers all three payments.
Full eligibility rules and how to apply

Anywhere in the UK, if you don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay

Maternity Allowance

Who it's for
Pregnant people who can't get Statutory Maternity Pay, such as self-employed people, and who worked 26 of the 66 weeks before the due date.
What you get
Up to £194.32 a week, or 90% of average weekly earnings if that is less, for up to 39 weeks. Some people get £27 a week.
How to claim
Fill in the MA1 form on gov.uk from 26 weeks pregnant. Send it with your MATB1 certificate and payslips or self-employment evidence.
Full eligibility rules and how to apply

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Summarised from the full listings linked above, last checked 3 October 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice, and rules change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.