From February 2024, the Scottish Government will change the eligibility for Best Start Foods to make it available to around 20,000 more people.
Best Start Foods is paid every four weeks on a chip and pin card to help eligible families with children under 3 or a baby on the way with the cost of healthy food.
Income limits will be removed, eligibility for younger parents will expand and other changes will be made to processes
Where required, payment on behalf of an entitled person can be made to whoever is considered appropriate.
On 26 February 2024. People who think they are only eligible under the new criteria should not apply before this date. They should apply on the day or as soon as possible after.
A decision will be made on their application under the previous criteria. This may mean people are declined who would qualify if they had waited until 26 February. If an application is declined under the previous rules, people may apply again. Those who used to get Best Start Foods and had it stopped because they had too much income may become eligible again. They too can reapply.
Balances can be checked online at www.allpayprepaid.net, at cashpoints or by calling allpay on 0808 196 1687.