Money (or lack of it) can be really stressful to deal with, but there is help out there if you need it. There’s a wide range of benefits and services available. To make life that wee bit easier for you, we’ve pulled together a list of what you could be entitled to as a parent.
As well as the benefits listed on this page there are also other benefits you may be able to apply for, such as Universal Credit and Pension credit. Our page on using a benefit calculator explains how you can find out what you’re entitled to.
On this page you'll find information on:

Cost of living support
You can find more advice on coping with increasing energy bills, managing rent, support for families, health and wellbeing and benefits and one-off payments and more at gov.scot/costoflivingsupport
How to get help right now
Getting to grips with benefits can feel overwhelming, so if all this seems too much, you can contact the Money Talk Team. They can help you find out:
- what benefits and financial support you may be entitled to
- how you can manage debt
- how you can save money on your outgoings.
There are lots of ways to contact the Money Talk Team. You can:
- get advice on the Money Talk Team website
- call 0800 028 1456 to arrange an appointment
- chat to their virtual assistant.
The appointment with your adviser can be over the phone or in person. Other channels may also be available, like video conferencing, email or webchat.
Support and benefits for expectant parents and parents with a newborn baby
Maternity and paternity leave
Maternity and paternity leave
The Pregnancy and Baby Payment
The Pregnancy and Baby Payment
Scotland’s Baby Box
Scotland’s Baby Box
Best Start Foods payments
Best Start Foods payments
Young Patients Family Fund
Young Patients Family Fund
General support and benefits for parents
Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods
Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods
Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment
Child Benefit
Child Benefit
Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit
Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit
School clothing grant
School clothing grant
Free school meals
Free school meals
Financial help if your child is in hospital
Financial help if your child is in hospital
Help with childcare costs
Help with childcare costs
Guardian’s Allowance
Guardian’s Allowance
Charitable grants
Charitable grants
Support if you're separating from your partner
Support if you're separating from your partner
Support for single parents
Support for single parents
Financial help if you're an unpaid carer
Financial help if you're an unpaid carer
Benefits, grants and loans if you're disabled or have a disabled child
Financial support if you're disabled
Financial support if you're disabled
Financial support if you have a disabled child
Financial support if you have a disabled child
What if I don't have a bank account?
Most benefits are paid into your bank account, so if you don’t have one this can be tricky. If you’re in this situation, it may be worth opening a fee-free basic bank account. It might also be a good thing to think about if you can’t use or open a standard current account. You can use a fee-free basic bank account to receive money and pay bills, but it doesn’t allow you to have an overdraft.
- You can find out more about fee-free basic bank accounts on the Money Helper website.
- You can find information on different types of bank accounts on the Citizens Advice Scotland website.
Talking to an adviser
Remember, benefits calculators will only give you an idea of what you can apply for and an estimate of how much you’ll get, so it’s a good idea to talk to an adviser at the Money Talk Team or the relevant benefits office to check exactly what you can get.
- You can contact Social Security Scotland here.
- You can contact the Disability Living Service here.
- You can find contact details for all UK benefits here.
Family Support Directory
Find more support for your finances from trusted organisations in our Family Support Directory.