Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods are payments that help towards the costs of being pregnant or looking after a child. They’re part of the 5 family payments you may be able to get from Social Security Scotland, along with Scottish Child Payment. For more information www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods
Time off and pay when you have or adopt a child
- Maternity pay and leave
- Maternity Allowance
- Pregnancy and Baby Payment
- Paternity pay and leave
- Shared Parental Leave and Pay
- Adoption pay and leave
- Unpaid parental leave
Child Benefit / Payments
- Child Benefit
- Scottish Child Payment*
- Child Benefit when your child turns 16
- Child Benefit tax calculator
- High Income Child Benefit Charge
*Scottish Child Payment is available to families who live in Scotland, get certain benefits or payments, and contains the main carer for a child under the age of 16. The payment has increased from £20 to £25 a week and is paid every 4 weeks. About 407,000 children are in families eligible.
The parents and guardians can apply for the benefit whether or not they work, and are eligible if they receive Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
To apply, visit www.mygov.scot/scottish-childpayment/how-to-apply or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. Applicants need to provide their national insurance number, bank details and personal details about themselves and their families. You do not need to apply again if you are already receiving the benefit.
Support for separated families
Support for disabled children
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children – Child Disability Payment
- Child Winter Heating Assistance
- Help if you have a disabled child
- Independent Living – Equipment and Adaptations
Help with childcare costs
Other support
- Apply for free school meals
- Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
- Help with School Clothing Costs
- Job Start Payment
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Support visits if you need help to claim benefits
