I am having my first child and my missus is currently studying for her Phd. I have a very modest income, she has a very modest grant we have very high bills (living around here costs!), I for one will be greatful for the money when it arrives as things are tight, I am sure we could manage without it but we would probably fail a means test as they are set at very low incomes. I think it's a good thing that it's not means tested, we will pay it back as we grow as a family and our earnings increase,it's a small price to pay to help young/new families.