Problems with Surestart Grant application - please say I'm not alone!!

[KRabbit]

Hey everyone

Unable to sleep because of WORRY!

I've been relying on my Sure Start Maternity Grant to start stocking up on baby things (lost my job in March and money has been very tight). Sent off an application form over two weeks ago and have heard nothing! Called up today and apparently nothing is on the system and they have no idea whether they've received my form or its "gone missing" and the only advice they can offer is "wait a few days or send another form".

I'm so stressed as we so need that grant! I'm 31 weeks and have literally nothing ready.

Whats more, everyone I've spoken to who sent off their forms the same time as me has also received their grants!!!

Please say I'm not the only one experiencing these problems?! I have sent another form off today (recorded delivery) although I'm worried that they will "lose" that one as well . . . plus at this rate I'll have had the baby before I get any payment from them . . .

Kate
xx

Didn't really want to leave you unanswered. I haven't had this problem, but I hope you get sorted soon.

Is there anyone you could lend some baby stuff off of in a worst case senario? Or have you tried freecycle for a few bits and bobs?

Wow, stop, take a deep breath lol! Ok, you're 31 weeks. Looking at it realistically you won't be bringing a baby home within the next 6 weeks whatever happens.

These applications do normally take a couple of weeks and if they've lost the first they'll def receive the second because you've sent it recorded - don't worry!

Even if the second takes 4 weeks then you'll still have a couple of weeks at least to get things sorted. The majority of my baby stuff has come from ebay which takes an afternoon of looking and buying, and about a week to arrive. You can get the basics very quickly.

Stop worrying, the baby won't go unclothed and unfed, you know that x

Definately agree! Don't feel over whelmed by all the stuff you think you need. Ebay is brilliant for pushchairs and bundles of newborn clothes. I spent a ridiculous amount on my first baby and half of it we never used.
Write a list of things that are vital, car seat, pushchair, moses basket (could use pram,) baby gro's, vests, blankets, cardi's, nappies, steriliser, bottles (if not bf.)
Bootfairs are good too!

What do you need and whereabouts are you?

please dont spend a fortune, find local car boot sale, get there easrly and for £30 you'll get the basics!

moses basket (use pillowcase for bedding if needs be!)
some 0-3 months clothes
car seat

and thats it!!!!

so grant aside, dont go spending/wasting money if you dont have it