All offers
Government money
Pregnancy and Baby Payment (Best Start Grant)
From Social Security Scotland
You could get
£796.65
£796.65 for a first child, £398.35 for later children, extra for twins
Go to mygov.scotWho can get it?
- Only for families in Scotland
- You need Universal Credit or a similar benefit, or to be under 18
How to claim
Online form
- 1Apply online on mygov.scot, by phone (0800 182 2222) or by post.
- 2One form covers this payment and Best Start Foods, so apply for both at once.
Have these ready
- Due date or baby's birth date
- Proof of qualifying benefit
- Bank details
Checked on mygov.scot on 3 October 2026. Offers change, so check before you rely on it.
When to apply
Opens
At 24 weeks
Closes
6 months after birth
See your exact dates
Add your due date to see when this opens and closes for you, whether you qualify, and track it with everything else you can claim.
Check what I can claim