Eligibility for Pregnancy Grant in Scotland

Updated on February 8, 2024

Take a moment to read through this post to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Pregnancy Grant in Scotland: Who qualifies to apply for and receive this benefit? Eligibility requirements.

Pregnancy Grant Scotland

A section of the Best Start Grant from the Scottish government is allocated to expectant mothers as the Pregnancy Grant Scotland. This grant replaced the UK government’s Sure Start Maternity Grant and was introduced by Social Security Scotland in December 2018 under the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment scheme.

You can apply for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment from the time you reach 24 weeks of pregnancy up to when your child turns 6 months old. If you’re a parent through adoption, this eligibility extends to the child’s first birthday. The payment can be used to purchase essential baby items such as infant clothing or a stroller.

Continue reading this post to find comprehensive information about the Pregnancy Grant Scotland, including eligibility criteria and other important requirements that need to be considered.

Understanding Pregnancy Grant Scotland

A segment of the Best Start Grant provided by the Scottish government is designated for expectant mothers as the Pregnancy Grant Scotland. Eligibility for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment extends from when you are 24 weeks pregnant up to when your child reaches 6 months old.

If you are a parent through adoption, the eligibility period extends to one year. The Pregnancy and Baby Payment can be used to purchase essential baby items such as infant clothing or a stroller.

The Best Start Grant offers three potential payments, providing financial assistance to parents or caregivers who qualify for certain benefits or tax credits during the crucial early years of a child’s life.

To be eligible, you must reside in Scotland, be under 18 years old, and receive specific benefits. The Best Start award consists of three payments: the Pregnancy and Baby Payment, the Early Learning Payment, and the School Age Payment. This award provides more support than the Sure Start Maternity grant.

The Pregnancy and Baby Payment, offering eligible families £353.65 for subsequent children and £707.25 for their first child, replaces and improves upon the UK Government’s Sure Start Maternity Grant.

Pregnancy Grant Scotland Overview

When can I Apply?

Pregnancy and baby payments typically accept applications from the completion of the 24th week of pregnancy until the baby reaches six months old, known as the “application window.”

However, if you have taken on care of a child under one year old and you are not the mother’s partner, the application window is extended. If you miss the application window, you won’t be able to submit a late application unless you were waiting to hear whether you qualified for a benefit.

If your child was born prematurely, you may apply for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment earlier, even if the baby was born before or during the 24th week of pregnancy. Additionally, if your pregnancy ended after the 24th week, you are also eligible to receive the Pregnancy and Baby Payment.

Process to Claim this Benefit?

You can claim the Pregnancy Grant Scotland through online, phone, or mail applications. To apply over the phone, contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222 (it’s toll-free).

For online applications, you must be over eighteen, have a bank account, be a permanent resident, and complete the application yourself. Ensure you have easy access to the following details when applying:

• Your name, birthdate, address, and bank details
• Partner’s name and birthdate (if applicable)
• National Insurance Number
• Financial information
• Information about any children you are caring for or have

If Social Security Scotland requests documents from you, you can either upload them online or send them by mail.

Pregnancy Grant Scotland Eligibility

You are eligible for the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Early Years Payment under the following circumstances:

• If you are caring for a child.
• If you have a new baby living with you, or if both you and your partner are pregnant.
• You may apply up to the day before the child’s first birthday if you have assumed care of the child, for instance, through adoption.
• You can make a claim from the end of your 24-week pregnancy until your child is six months old.

If you are 18 or 19 years old, you are eligible for the pregnancy and newborn payment if the person caring for you receives child tax credit, child benefit, universal credit, or pension credit.

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