Scotland
Best Start Grant (BSG)
Last verified: 4 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
Three Scottish one-off payments around pregnancy and a child’s early years if you get a qualifying benefit: Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment, and School Age Payment. Separate from Best Start Foods.
How much you could get
Each of the three payments has its own amount, with a higher Pregnancy and Baby Payment for a first child. Confirm live figures on mygov.scot rather than copying an old rate.
Check the current amount on the official page.
Who can claim
You usually need to live in Scotland, get a qualifying benefit, and apply within the window for that payment. The Pregnancy and Baby Payment is the Scottish replacement for Sure Start Maternity Grant for people living in Scotland.
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 pregnant or responsible for a young child.
Check if Best Start Grant 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
These grants are not available outside Scotland. Missing the application window can mean a refusal even if you later get a qualifying benefit. Best Start Foods is a regular prepaid card, not this grant.
Where you live
Best Start Grant applies in Scotland.
Browse benefits in Scotland, or the A–Z list.
How to claim
- Apply on mygov.scot. Best Start Grant is a set of Scottish one-off payments around pregnancy, birth, nursery and school. It is not the same as Best Start Foods. Official page
- Check which of the three payments you are applying for. Pregnancy and Baby, Early Learning, and School Age payments have different windows. Missing the window can mean a refusal.
- You usually need a qualifying benefit and to live in Scotland. The official page lists the benefits and the time limits. Do not send a Sure Start Maternity Grant form — that GB form is different.
- Keep the decision letter. You can ask for a redetermination if you disagree. Dates are on the letter, not on this page.
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.