Best Start Grant

The Best Start Grant is a package comprising of three payments intended to help families with costs in a child's early years. It is provided by Social Security Scotland and the payments can be applied for and accessed separately.

​The Pregnancy and Baby Payment is the first instalment of the Best Start Grant, and is a replacement of the Sure Start Maternity Grant. This payment consists of £600 for your first child, and £300 for other children - and is to help with expenses in pregnancy such as maternity clothes, a pram, or additional heating. 
The second instalment is the Early Learning Payment, aimed at children aged from two years to three years and six months. This £250 portion of the grant is intended to help with costs around the time the child starts nursery. 
The final part of the Best Start Grant is the School Age Payment, which will coincide with the time the child starts primary school. This £250 payment can help with costs of school uniforms, a school bag, books, or days out.

The Best Start Grant is aimed at low income families, and if you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be eligible. You can check your eligibility and apply on the MyGov.Scot website here.