Financial support for bereaved parents
Losing a child is one of the hardest experiences anyone can face. This National Bereaved Parents Day (3 July) we want to highlight the financial help that could make a difference during such a difficult time.
Social Security Scotland offers two payments which can help ease some of the money worries for bereaved parents.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment may be available for parents whose baby was stillborn or died after birth.
The payment is £796.65 for a first baby and £398.35 if the parent has older children and can be used for whatever they need.
Parents can apply from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy up to six months after their baby's birth date. If the baby was born before 24 weeks, the application window is up to six months after the birth date.
In Scotland, local authorities cover the burial or cremation costs for babies, children and young people aged 17 and under. However, parents may also be eligible for additional support towards other funeral costs, such as a service or funeral car, through the Funeral Support Payment. Applications can be made for up to six months after the date of the funeral.
To receive either payment, parents normally need to be receiving Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit.
For Pregnancy and Baby Payment, parents who are under 18 are automatically eligible and don't need to be receiving a qualifying benefit. This may also apply to parents aged 18 or 19.
Applications can be made online, by phone, by post or in person. Social Security Scotland has specially trained client advisers who can sensitively support bereaved parents through the application process – so they don't have to navigate it alone. Call free on 0800 182 2222 or visit mygov.scot/benefits
A Support for Bereaved Parents leaflet is available to download from our resources page on our website.
Please share this information across your networks and communications to help ensure bereaved parents know support exists.
Background
National Bereaved Parents Day is held annually on 3 July, established by the charity A Child of Mine to bring together anyone affected by the death of a child and to show bereaved parents they are not alone.
For more support for parents and families experiencing the loss of a child visit Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland