DWP issues guidance on changes to Sure Start maternity grant entitlement conditions from June 2023

New ADM Memo includes guidance on changes that help those fleeing from Afghanistan and Ukraine to establish entitlement

The DWP has issued guidance on changes to the Sure Start maternity grant (SSMG) entitlement conditions from June 2023.

In ADM Memo 11/23, published today, the DWP provides guidance on the Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) and Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (SI.No.545/2023) which come into force on 8 June 2023.

In particular, the DWP confirms that the regulations make changes in respect of –

1. removing the requirement for claimants to provide evidence of receiving health and welfare advice regarding the baby or mother prior to claiming SSMG

2. providing an exemption to the rule that we only pay an SSMG where there are no other children in the claimant’s household for those fleeing from Afghanistan and Ukraine in specific circumstances

3. providing a limited extension to the SSMG claim time limit for each universal credit assessment period commencing on or after 10 April 2023

ADM Memo 11/23 is available from gov.uk