Important changes to Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment

From 18 March 2026, the rules for Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment will change. These changes only affect a small number of people, but they may be people you support. 

This article explains what is changing, who these changes apply to, and how to help clients access the right support. 

About Pregnancy and Baby Payment 

Pregnancy and Baby Payment is a one-off payment to help with the cost of pregnancy or having a new baby. Families can apply from 24 weeks pregnant until the baby is 6 months old. 

Payment amounts are: 

• £767.50 for a first child (£796.65 from April 2026) 

• £383.75 for later children (£398.35 from April 2026) 

Some families may already be eligible for the higher payment amount, even if the baby is not their first child. Further information on extra support can be found here: Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods - mygov.scot 

Who the upcoming changes apply to 

From 18 March 2026, people will also be able to receive the higher amount if all their other children were born before they arrived in the UK, including: 

1. People who have been granted leave under a safe and legal humanitarian immigration route, either inside or outside the immigration rules, all of whose other children were born before they arrived. 

2. People who are a British or Irish national, or people with leave to remain, who had to return to the UK in an emergency. 

This includes returning because of: 

• official “leave now” guidance, or 

• a UK Government evacuation. 

3. Individuals arriving from the Middle East may also be covered by these exemptions, including people who were residing in Oman before 4 March and who arrive in the UK before 3 September 2026. 

These are the only groups affected by the March 2026 change. 

 All other rules remain the same. 

What this means for those affected  

If someone fits into one of the three groups above, they may now be able to receive the higher payment — even if the new baby is not their first child. 

Not all of these circumstances are currently listed on the online or paper form. If your client’s circumstance isn’t listed, they should select the ‘Not sure’ option. Alternatively, they can apply by telephone by calling 0800 182 2222. 

 How your organisation can help 

• Share these changes with people within your organisation. 

• Identify individuals you work with who may fall into one of the three groups. 

• Encourage them to apply from 18 March 2026. 

• Direct eligible people to current mygov.scot content, with updated information coming on 18 March 

Your support can help ensure that families who have faced difficult or unsafe circumstances receive all the financial help they are entitled to.