The Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment helps eligible parents in Scotland with the costs of pregnancy and having a new child. You can apply from the 24th week of pregnancy right up until your child is 6 months old.

For more information on eligibility and to apply visit the mygov.scot website or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

You can apply for the Early Learning Payment when your child is aged between 2 to 3 years and 6 months. You can choose what to spend the money on – whether that’s new shoes, travel to get around, or toys to help them learn. You don’t have to take up a place at nursery to qualify for a payment.

For more information on eligibility and to apply visit the mygov.scot website or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

Best Start Foods is a benefit that provides money on a prepaid card every 4 weeks that you can use to buy healthy foods. You can apply for Best Start Foods if you live in Scotland, get certain benefits or tax credits and are pregnant or the parent or carer of a child under 3. You can apply as soon as you know you're pregnant, or any time up to your child’s 3rd birthday.

For more information and to apply visit the mygov.scot website or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

New babies need a surprising amount of stuff! Scotland’s Baby Box is a free box of essential items that will help you care for your little one. It’s packed full of clothes, bedding and lots of other useful items to help give your baby the best possible start in life. You can register for your Baby Box with your midwife and depending on when you register it will be delivered up to 4 weeks before your due date. 

If your teen (16 -19 years old) is not working, in school, college, or training, then they may be able to access coaching and support from the Activity Agreements. These are run by Local Authorities and will help your child work on a plan to help them reach their goals, and prepare them for employment, training, education and/or volunteering.

They could include music, arts, sport or outdoor activities. Your teen can also take part in group activities with other local people and get involved in community projects. To find out what’s available in your local authority visit the mygov.scot website.