Supporting bereaved families

The death of a baby is one of the hardest things anyone can go through. Having to deal with money worries on top of grief and loss can make it even more difficult.

This Baby Loss Awareness week, we want to highlight benefits available to bereaved families, which may help ease financial strain at a difficult time when a baby is stillborn or dies after birth.

Parents who experienced baby loss were involved in the design of these payments to make sure that it met their needs and was sensitive to these specific circumstances.

Eligible people could still get Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment of up to £707.25 for a baby that was stillborn or died after they were born. They can apply up to 6 months after the baby's birth date. If they apply when they're pregnant, and their baby is stillborn or dies later, they will not need to pay any money back

Parents who are under 18 and some parents aged 18 or 19 can apply without the need to get qualifying benefits.

Bereaved parents may also qualify for Funeral Support Payment to help towards the costs of a funeral. This includes babies who were stillborn or died after they were born.

It can be paid either to parents and families or the funeral director who is helping to plan the funeral. In Scotland, local authorities cover the burial or cremation costs for a baby, child or young person aged 17 or under.

People can choose to apply by telephone, post or online. If parents would rather talk through their application, they can speak to our dedicated team of client advisers who have been specially trained to support people applying for benefits when also facing a bereavement:

People can find out more and apply online for Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment and Funeral Support Payment via MyGov.Scot or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222

Support if you have lost a baby:

Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) is a charity that supports anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

Helpline: 0808 164 3332 or helpline@sands.org.uk

Website: www.sands.org.uk

Child Bereavement UK offers support to families when a baby or child dies.

Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 or helpline@childbereavementuk.org

Website: childbereavementuk.org/for-families/support

Miscarriage Support is a counselling service supporting people affected by miscarriage, neonatal death and stillbirth.

Helpline: 0141 552 5070 or info@miscarriagesupport.org.uk

Website: www.miscarriagesupport.org.uk

The Scottish Cot Death Trust is a charity dedicated to the sudden unexpected death of babies and young children.

Helpline: 0141 357 3946 or contact@scottishcotdeathtrust.org

Website: www.scottishcotdeathtrust.org

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