Best Start Grant pays out £2.7m

Scotland’s new Best Start Grant, Pregnancy and Baby Payment has paid out more than £2.7 million to low income families in less than two months.

Following its launch in December, Social Security Scotland has now made over 7000 Pregnancy and Baby payments to new or expectant families.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

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

“This substantial increase in support for expectant families and new babies shows what can be achieved if we take a different approach to social security. We have simplified the application process, promoted this new benefit and engaged health and childcare professionals to help us maximise take-up.

“The Pregnancy and Baby Payment is helping give children the best possible start in life, and demonstrates our commitment to making Scotland the best place for a child to grow up.”

David Wallace, Chief Executive, Social Security Scotland said:

“Making £2.7m worth of payments in just two months is a major achievement for our new public service.

“Since the Pregnancy & Baby Payment launched in December we have received over 14,000 applications for support. Our colleagues have worked tirelessly to process applications and ensure payments are made quickly as possible, and I am particularly proud of these efforts.

“Across Social Security Scotland we have been working hard to promote this new payment to eligible families, working with the NHS and local authorities to maximise awareness and uptake.

“The fantastic response to the Best Start Grant is a clear sign that we are delivering something that is very much needed by many families across Scotland.”

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