The Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) is a vital financial support offered by the UK government to help low-income families with the costs associated with a new baby.
For many, understanding how and where to send the application form is one of the final and most essential steps.
Fortunately, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a straightforward postal method via the Freepost DWP SSMG address.
This guide outlines everything you need to know about sending your application correctly, efficiently, and within the deadline.
What Is The Sure Start Maternity Grant And Who Can Claim It?
The Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) is a financial support scheme provided by the UK government through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It offers a one-time payment of £500 to help with the costs of having a baby. This grant is tax-free and does not have to be paid back.
Eligibility is based on specific conditions. It is intended primarily for first-time parents or for those expecting twins or more but who already have children.
It is also available to individuals or couples who are taking responsibility for a child, such as adoptive parents, kinship carers, or guardians, provided they meet the benefit criteria.
To qualify, one must be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (higher rate)
- Working Tax Credit with a disability element
Applications can be made up to 11 weeks before the baby is due and no later than six months after the birth. Proof of pregnancy or birth is required, and the applicant must be living in the UK.
How Do You Get The SF100 Sure Start Maternity Grant Form?
The SF100 form, officially known as the Sure Start Maternity Grant Claim Form, is the document required to apply for the one-off £500 payment provided by the UK government.
Obtaining the form is the first essential step in the application process and can be done in multiple convenient ways, depending on your access to the internet and postal services.
Downloading the Form Online
The easiest and fastest method to get the SF100 form is by downloading it from the official GOV.UK website. This ensures that you are using the most up-to-date version of the form, which is crucial since older or outdated forms may not be accepted by the DWP.
- Visit: https://www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant/how-to-claim
- Download the SF100 PDF version of the form
- Print the form on A4 paper using a clear, high-quality printer
- Ensure the printed text is readable and no sections are cut off
Applicants who have access to a printer can choose to complete the form by hand or use the fillable fields on the PDF before printing.
Requesting the Form by Post
If you cannot access the form online or do not have access to a printer, you can request a paper copy of the SF100 to be sent to your home address.
To request the form:
- Call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or your local Jobcentre Plus
- Provide your full name, address, and request the Sure Start Maternity Grant SF100 form
- The form will be sent by post and usually arrives within a few working days
This is a suitable option for those without internet access or for those who prefer to work with physical documents.
Collecting the Form in Person
Some Jobcentre Plus locations may have printed copies of the SF100 available. You can visit in person to collect the form directly. However, availability may vary between branches, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and check.
When collecting or printing the form, ensure that all pages are included and that none are missing or damaged. An incomplete or partial form will not be processed by the DWP.
It’s also important to use only the official version of the SF100 form. Using third-party templates or altered versions can lead to rejection of your application.
How Do You Complete The SF100 Application Form Correctly?
Filling in the SF100 form properly is essential to ensure that the claim is accepted and processed efficiently. The form is divided into several sections, each requiring accurate and complete information.
Key details to be filled in include:
- Applicant’s personal details such as full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number
- Address and contact information
- Information about the baby or pregnancy
- Declaration of any qualifying benefits being received
- Bank account details for payment
One crucial section is the part that must be completed by a health professional, such as a midwife, GP, or health visitor. This part serves as confirmation of the pregnancy or birth and is mandatory for the claim to be processed.
Before submitting the form, review it for:
- Spelling errors
- Missing fields
- Incorrect National Insurance number
- Incorrect bank details
If any part is incomplete or incorrect, the application may be returned or delayed.
Where Do You Send The Completed SF100 Form?
After completing the SF100 form, it must be sent to the DWP via a designated Freepost address. This system ensures that applicants do not need to pay for postage and do not require a postcode or stamp.
This is a Freepost address managed by the Department for Work and Pensions. It works anywhere within the UK and is processed as priority mail by the postal system.
There are a few key points to keep in mind:
- The envelope should be clearly addressed to Freepost DWP SSMG
- No additional lines, postcode, or stamps are required
- The completed form can be dropped into any standard Royal Mail postbox
For peace of mind, some applicants choose to use recorded delivery, although this is not required. Sending the form with tracking is an optional extra that must be paid for by the sender.
What Happens After You Send Your SSMG Form To Freepost DWP SSMG?
Once your completed SF100 form has been sent to the Freepost DWP SSMG address, it enters the official processing system of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Understanding what happens next can help set your expectations and ensure that you are prepared to follow up if necessary.
Receipt and Initial Review
When the DWP receives your form through the Freepost service, it is date-stamped and reviewed by an initial processing team. The Freepost system does not require a stamp or postcode and is prioritised as part of Royal Mail’s business-class handling agreements with government departments.
- The form is scanned and logged into the system
- Basic information, such as name, National Insurance number, and eligibility status, is checked
- If the form is legible and complete, it moves to the verification stage
If you have submitted a handwritten form, ensure it was filled out in clear, block capital letters, as illegible writing can delay or complicate the review process.
Verification and Eligibility Checks
The DWP verifies the following during the processing stage:
- Your identity using your National Insurance number
- Whether you are receiving qualifying benefits at the time of application
- Confirmation from a health professional (GP, midwife, or health visitor) that the baby is expected or has been born
- Whether the application was submitted within the correct time frame (from 11 weeks before the due date to 6 months after the birth)
If any of the required information is missing or unclear, the DWP may contact you by post for clarification. In some cases, they may request additional documentation or ask the health professional to reconfirm the pregnancy or birth.
Payment Timeline
If everything is in order, the £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant is issued directly into the bank account you provided on the SF100 form.
Most successful applications are processed within 4 to 6 weeks, although this can vary depending on demand and case complexity.
You will not usually receive a confirmation letter, so it’s important to regularly check your bank account around that time.
What To Do If You Don’t Hear Back?
If six weeks pass without any payment or communication, you should contact the DWP to check the status of your claim. When contacting them, make sure to have the following information ready:
- Your full name
- Your National Insurance number
- The date you posted your application
- A copy of the completed SF100 form (if you kept one)
Though the Freepost DWP SSMG system does not offer postal tracking, you may choose to send your application via Signed For delivery for added peace of mind.
This is optional and at your own cost, but it allows you to confirm that the envelope was delivered.
If your application is returned or denied, the DWP will explain the reasons and inform you of your right to request a mandatory reconsideration, which allows you to appeal the decision or submit a corrected version.
What Are Common Mistakes When Applying For SSMG And How To Avoid Them?
Mistakes on the SF100 form are a common reason for delays or rejections. To help applicants avoid common errors, the following issues should be checked before submission:
- Omitting the health professional’s section or providing an incomplete certification
- Using an outdated version of the form
- Leaving mandatory sections blank, such as NI number or bank details
- Submitting the form outside the allowed application window
To minimise the chance of rejection:
- Use the latest version of the SF100 form from GOV.UK
- Double-check each section before posting
- Confirm that the healthcare provider has completed their part and signed it
- Make a copy of the completed form for your own records
Below is a helpful table showing some of the most common issues and how to resolve them:
| Common Mistake | Resolution |
| Missing health professional confirmation | Ask your midwife or GP to fill the required part |
| Incomplete or incorrect form | Download a fresh SF100 and fill it again |
| Wrong benefits listed or not listed | Confirm eligibility before submitting |
| No NI number provided | Locate your NI card or contact HMRC for help |
Can You Track Your Sure Start Maternity Grant Application?
The Freepost DWP SSMG system does not include a built-in tracking feature. However, applicants can monitor their claim’s progress by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions directly.
To make an enquiry:
- Call the number provided on the GOV.UK maternity grant page
- Have your National Insurance number ready
- Provide your full name, date of birth, and address
If you require delivery confirmation when sending the form, you can choose to post it via a tracked Royal Mail service. This is not mandatory but can give peace of mind.
What Should You Do If Your SSMG Application Is Denied?
If your claim is rejected, you will receive a letter from the DWP explaining the reason for the decision. In many cases, the issue may be due to an error or missing documentation rather than a complete ineligibility.
You have the right to request a mandatory reconsideration, which is the first step in appealing the decision. This must be done in writing and should include any new or corrected information.
The DWP will then review the case again. If the outcome remains the same and you still disagree, you can proceed to a formal tribunal process.
To avoid having to appeal, it’s best to:
- Submit complete and accurate information initially
- Attach supporting documents where possible
- Include correct benefit details and bank information
Are There Any Other Maternity Benefits Or Support Options Available?
In addition to the Sure Start Maternity Grant, several other types of maternity and child-related financial support are available to families in the UK.
Here is a comparative table highlighting other common support options:
| Support Scheme | Description | How To Access |
| Healthy Start Vouchers | Free weekly food and vitamin vouchers for eligible women | Apply through the NHS Healthy Start site |
| Maternity Allowance | Paid to women not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay | Apply via Jobcentre Plus |
| Universal Credit | Monthly financial support based on income and circumstances | Apply online through GOV.UK |
| Child Benefit | Monthly payment per child to help with living costs | Apply online after the birth |
Each of these schemes has its own eligibility criteria and application process. Families are encouraged to explore all available options to maximise the support they can receive during pregnancy and early childhood.
Conclusion
Sending your Sure Start Maternity Grant application through the Freepost DWP SSMG address is a simple, cost-free process that ensures your form reaches the Department for Work and Pensions safely.
By downloading the correct SF100 form, completing all sections accurately, and following the postal guidelines, eligible applicants can access essential financial support without complications.
Make sure to check your eligibility, avoid common mistakes, and use the correct Freepost address to receive the £500 grant without unnecessary delays.
FAQs About Freepost DWP SSMG and Sure Start Maternity Grant
What benefits qualify me for the Sure Start Maternity Grant?
You must be receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit to qualify. Check GOV.UK for the complete list.
Can I apply for SSMG if I’ve had a child before?
Only if you’re having twins (or more) or you’re taking responsibility for someone else’s baby and don’t have children of your own in your care.
Is the SF100 form available in other languages or formats?
Yes, you can request the form in large print, braille, or alternative languages by contacting the DWP.
How long do I have to submit the application?
You can apply from 11 weeks before the baby’s due date up to 6 months after the birth.
Can I hand in the SF100 form at a Jobcentre?
No, the form must be sent by post to the Freepost DWP SSMG address. Jobcentres do not accept direct handovers.
What if my midwife refuses to fill out the health professional section?
Try speaking with another GP, health visitor, or community midwife. It’s a required section for the claim to be valid.
Is there a way to expedite the processing of my application?
There is no fast-track service, but submitting a complete and accurate form helps prevent delays.
