Thousands of parents could be missing out on help worth up to £500

As the cost of living crisis continues to tighten its grip, many parents could be missing out on help worth up to £500.

The relatively unknown Sure Start Maternity Grant is available to new parents on benefits, and it could be a lifesaver for struggling families.

It is a one-off payment that doesn't need to be returned, and it won't affect the amount of benefits like Universal Credit you are given - it's simply a helping hand for a newborn.

The Sure Start grant was designed to help parents out with the many costs that come with a newborn, like clothes, toys and a crib.

Alamy / Tony Smith

However, there is a time limit on when parents can claim the money, and they have to apply either 11 weeks before their child is born or up to six months after their birth.

You will have to disclose the benefits you're receiving and have a midwife or a doctor confirm that you are pregnant when applying.

If you or your partner is in receipt of any of the following benefits, you could be eligible for the grant:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit including a disability or severe disability
• Universal Credit

Sadly, the grant is only available to first-time parents.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and you could still get the money if you have a child under 16 and meet any of the following criteria:

• You are having a multiple birth
• The child in your care is not your or your partner's biological child
• You have refugee status or similar

You can apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant by visiting the gov.uk website and filling in the relevant forms.

Alamy / Arsenii Palivoda

This isn't the only help available to parents, so this is one department where knowledge is power when it comes to navigating the cost of living crisis.

If you have a child aged between three and four and work at least 16 hours a week, earn at least the national minimum/living wage and have a household income of less than £100,000, you could get up to 30 hours free childcare a week.

You can apply for the scheme on the Gov.uk website by signing up for a childcare account.

However, it's regularly reviewed as people's circumstances can and do change, and you will need to reapply for the support every three months.