Eligible Scottish families receiving Universal Credit or certain other benefits could be entitled to more than £2,600 in financial support during pregnancy and their child's first year. The Scottish Government is encouraging expectant parents and families with young children to check their eligibility for three payments administered by Social Security Scotland to help with the costs of welcoming a new baby.
The package includes Best Start Foods, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, and Scottish Child Payment, which provide financial help with food, clothing, baby equipment, and other everyday essentials. Eligible families expecting their second child could receive an estimated £2,643.15 between the early stages of pregnancy and their baby's first birthday, depending on when they apply and their individual circumstances. Families welcoming their first child may receive more because the Pregnancy and Baby Payment is higher for a first baby.
Support Package Details
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "Welcoming a new baby is a special and exciting time, and families should have the support they need as they prepare for the arrival of their child. This package of support, worth thousands of pounds for eligible households, provides extra help from pregnancy through to a baby's first birthday and beyond."
She added: "Backing families in those vital early months is central to our mission to eradicate child poverty, helping parents provide the opportunities every child deserves and giving them the best possible start in life."
Breakdown of £2,643 Financial Support
The Scottish Government's calculation is based on a family expecting their second child who applies for support four weeks into pregnancy and receives all eligible payments until their child's first birthday. The estimated amount includes £196 from Best Start Foods during pregnancy, based on 35 weeks at £5.60 per week; £582.40 from Best Start Foods during the baby's first year, based on 52 weeks at £11.20 per week; £398.35 from Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment for a second or subsequent child; and £1,466.40 from Scottish Child Payment during the baby's first year, based on 52 weeks at £28.20 per week. The total comes to £2,643.15, although the amount families receive will depend on their circumstances and when they apply.
How the Payments Work
Best Start Foods provides financial support to help families buy healthy food during pregnancy and until their child turns three. Payments are made every four weeks onto a prepaid card that can be used in shops and online to buy eligible food, including milk, fruit, and vegetables. The current payment rates are £22.40 every four weeks during pregnancy, £44.80 every four weeks for children under one, and £22.40 every four weeks for children aged one to three. Expectant parents can apply as soon as they know they are pregnant.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is a one-off payment that helps families cover the costs of preparing for a baby, including buying a pram, cot, clothes, or other essential items. Eligible families can receive £796.65 for their first child or £398.35 for a second or subsequent child. Applications can be made from the 24th week of pregnancy until the baby reaches six months old. Different rules and additional payments can apply to multiple births and certain other circumstances.
Scottish Child Payment provides £28.20 per week for each eligible child under 16. Payments are made every four weeks and can be used for anything needed to help support a child. A family receiving the payment for a full year would get £1,466.40 for one child. Parents can apply once their baby is born, provided they meet the eligibility conditions.
Eligibility and How to Apply
The payments are available to eligible families living in Scotland who receive certain benefits. Qualifying benefits can include Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Housing Benefit can also qualify families for Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods. Different eligibility conditions apply to each payment, and some younger parents may qualify for Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods without receiving the usual qualifying benefits. Families can check their entitlement and apply through Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods and Scottish Child Payment on MYGOV.SCOT.
Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted the importance of financial support for families experiencing difficulties with household costs. The Scottish Government shared the experience of Danielle, who approached her local Citizens Advice Bureau while caring for her seven-month-old baby alone. Financial pressures had become so severe that she was considering selling her home, but support through Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods helped her afford essential groceries.
Emma Jackson, Assistant Director for Policy and Research at Citizens Advice Scotland, said: "Evidence from across the Citizens Advice network shows the important role that pregnancy and early years payments can play in helping families through periods of financial insecurity and change. Support such as Best Start Grant, Best Start Foods and Scottish Child Payment can help ease financial pressures, enabling families to afford the essentials and support children to get the best possible start in life."
She added that local Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential advice online, by telephone, and in person to help families check their entitlement and apply for financial support. Full details can be found on the website.
