Having a baby can bring added pressure to your finances. Your Health Visitor can discuss this with you and, if you need extra support, they can refer you a local service.
Benefits
Child Benefit
This is a payment made, every four weeks, to someone responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16, or under 20 and in approved education or training. There are income limits which will determine how much money you receive.
Financial help if you have children: use this link to find out more about child benefit, and other UK Government benefits, including how to apply.
Best Start Grant and Foods
To get Best Start Grant and Foods, normally you or your partner need to be on certain benefits. You apply for both benefits using the same application form.
Best Start Grant is three payments that go towards helping with the cost of being pregnant or looking after a child.
Pregnancy and baby payment - apply between the end of the 24th week of pregnancy until your baby is 6 months old.
Early learning payment - apply when your child is between 2 and 3 ½ years old.
School age payment - apply for when your child would normally start primary 1.
Best Start Foods is a pre-paid card, which is topped up every four weeks, which you can use to buy infant formula and healthy food. You can apply as soon as you know you are pregnant up until your child is 3 years old.
Best Start Grants: use this link find out more including how to apply.
Other Support Available
Scottish Child Payment: This is a payment, made every four weeks, for families who get certain benefits, to help towards the costs of looking after each child under 16. Use this link to find out more including how to apply.
Help paying for Childcare: You can get help from the government to pay for any type of registered child care. Use this link for more government information.
Other help with money: use this link find out more about all benefits and grants available in Scotland
Further support
Local Money Advice Services
If you are worried about money your Health Visitor can also refer you to a local money advice service. They offer free, confidential advice on a range of issues.
NHS Inform Service Directory: use this link for more information about local services in your area.
Debt Specialist
Debt Navigator provides information and advice on how to deal with debts including- energy debts; mortgage, rent and council tax arrears; loans, credit cards and overdrafts; car finance and care costs.
Debt Navigator: use this link for more information and to access the web chat function.
Help with cost of living
Scottish Welfare Fund: The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes. You must be 16 or older and on a low income, or getting certain benefits, to apply for grants available. Use this link for more information from the Scottish welfare fund.
Cost of Living Support Scotland: use this link for information about more help available during the cost of living crisis.
Help with bills
Home Energy Scotland is a network of local advice centres covering all of Scotland. It offers free, impartial advice on saving energy, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, greener travel and cutting water waste.
Home Energy Scotland: use this link for more information.