Financial support for families coping with baby loss

Trigger warning. This article discusses the topic of baby loss and may be triggering or difficult to read for those who have experienced baby loss in their lives.
The loss of a baby is one of the hardest and most heart-breaking experiences someone can go through. Money worries on top of grief and loss can make this experience even harder.
Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October 2024), now in its 22nd year, is an opportunity to bring people affected by the loss of a baby together and share information and supportive spaces.
Help us spread the word and raise awareness of the financial support available to families coping with the loss of a baby. There is a range of resources available on the Social Security Scotland website for organisations to share with those they work with and support.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is a payment of up to £754.65. Parents of a baby who was stillborn or who died within six months of birth could be eligible to receive the payment. Parents whose baby was born alive before 24 weeks of pregnancy and later died can apply from the date their child was born. Otherwise, applications can be made from 24 weeks of pregnancy. Applications can be made up until six months after the baby’s birth date.
Parents and carers can also apply for Funeral Support Payment to help with the costs of paying for a funeral, including flowers and travel costs. This includes for stillborn babies and babies who were born alive before 24 weeks of pregnancy and later died.
These payments were designed in collaboration with parents who have experienced the loss of a baby to make sure they meet the needs of those going through this difficult time and are sensitive to their circumstances.
People in receipt of Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits could be eligible for both payments. Parents who are under 18 or who are 18 or 19 and dependant on someone else can apply for Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment without the need to get qualifying benefits
At Social Security Scotland, there is a specialist bereavement team of experienced and compassionate advisers to help people understand the payments available to them and can support them through the application process at this difficult time.
People can find out more and how to apply for financial support on our website at Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment and Funeral Support Payment or call free on 0800 182 2222.
To find out more about Baby Loss Awareness Week and the wide range of support available, visit Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss (babyloss-awareness.org)
Sources of support include:
Sands supports anyone affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby to offer understanding and comfort. Call 0808 164 3332 or visit Sands | Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.
Simba offers support for people across Scotland following the loss of a baby. Call 0131 353 0055 or visit Simba - supporting families who have experienced baby loss (simbacharity.org.uk)
Held in our Hearts provide support to families coping with pregnancy, baby and infant loss across Lothians, Borders, Fife, Forth Valley and Highlands. Their bereavement services include befriending and counselling. Call 0131 622 6263 or visit Held In Our Hearts - Providing baby loss counselling and support
Baby Loss Retreat helps families throughout Scotland trying to cope with the death of their baby. The charity provides a range of support including a quiet environment for reflection, counselling, trauma therapy and support groups. Call 0141 248 4200 or visit Baby Loss Retreat | Supporting Bereaved Families | Scotland
Scottish Cot Death Trust provides a wide range of support for anyone affected by a sudden unexpected death in infancy. Call 0141 357 3946 or visit Home - Scottish Cot Death Trust
Tommy’s provides information and support to anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or termination for medical reasons. Visit their website for more information Baby loss information and support | Tommy's (tommys.org)
Cruse Scotland helps people understand, process and navigate their grief. Call their bereavement helpline on 0808 802 6161 or visit Bereavement Support for Adults : Cruse Scotland