Scotland
Best Start Foods
Last verified: 4 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
A Scottish prepaid card to help with the cost of milk, infant formula, fruit and vegetables during pregnancy and for children under 3, if you get certain benefits.
How much you could get
The amount depends on your circumstances. We do not publish a figure unless it is tied to a tax year and an official source.
Check the current amount on the official page.
Who can claim
You usually need to live in Scotland, be pregnant or have a child under 3, and get a qualifying benefit.
Eligibility conditions
These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.
- You live in the UK.
- You live in Scotland.
- You are responsible for a young child, or may be pregnant.
Check if Best Start Foods may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
When it may not apply
Best Start Foods is only available in Scotland. Families elsewhere should look at Healthy Start.
Where you live
Best Start Foods applies in Scotland.
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, see Healthy Start.
Browse benefits in Scotland, or the A–Z list.
How to claim
- Apply through Social Security Scotland. Best Start Foods is the Scottish scheme, claimed on mygov.scot with Best Start Grant. Do not use the NHS Healthy Start site if you live in Scotland. Official page
- Have your qualifying-benefit details ready. The official page lists which payments count and the child-age rules, which differ from Healthy Start.
- One application can cover Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods. They are related but not the same payment. Read both sections on mygov.scot so you do not miss a grant.
- Report a move out of Scotland. The prepaid card is for people living in Scotland. A move to the rest of the UK usually means switching to Healthy Start instead.
Official sources
- Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods — mygov.scot (primary source)
Related benefits
See all children and pregnancy benefits.
Source: Social Security Scotland. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.
Check if this may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.