Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods pay out £26.6 million since launch

New figures have been published on Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods. In total, we paid £26.6 million to clients up to 31 March 2020. The full report can be accessed on the Scottish Government website.

The Best Start Grant includes three types of payment: Pregnancy and Baby Payment (applications taken from 10 December 2018), Early Learning Payment (applications taken from 29 April 2019) and School Age Payment (applications taken from 3 June 2019).

Best Start Foods is a payment that replaces the UK Government’s Healthy Start Vouchers in Scotland. Best Start Foods replaced Healthy Start Vouchers for new claims in Scotland from 12 August 2019. This was a phased roll out and we contacted people asking them to make the switch to Best Start Foods.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and older People Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“The response we have had to the Best Start Grant is exceptional.

“We have worked hard to create a simple application process and have engaged with health and childcare professionals to maximise take-up.

"We won’t be complacent – many families are turning to UK benefits for the first time due to the impact of Covid-19, and may now qualify for one of Social Security Scotland's payments.

"I would urge parents to check if they are eligible and apply online."

Stakeholders can access more information and resources on Best Start Grant or Best Start Foods. People can check eligibility and apply for these benefits on the mygov.scot website.