Support for bereaved families

The loss of a baby is one of the most distressing experiences families can face. This Baby Loss Awareness Week, we are highlighting financial support to help ease some of the practical costs and additional pressures families may experience during an incredibly challenging time.

 

Financial assistance following baby loss

Families receiving qualifying benefits may be eligible for these additional payments if they have experienced a stillbirth or the death of a baby after birth:

Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment worth £796.65 for their first baby and £398.35 if the family has older children and can be used towards anything they need.

Families can apply from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy to six months after the baby’s birth date. If the baby was born before 24 weeks, people are eligible to apply up to six months after their birth date.

Funeral Support Payment, which can help towards the cost of their baby’s funeral. In Scotland, local authorities cover the burial or cremation costs for babies, children and young people aged 17 and under. The payment can help towards other costs including the service or transport.

These benefit payments can help reduce financial worries, allowing parents and carers to focus on themselves and their loved ones.

 

Rowena Pailing, Director of Bereavement Support Services, Community and Volunteering, Sands commented:

"Baby loss has a huge emotional impact. It can also have a financial impact. At Sands, we hear from families who may be struggling because of their employment situations, or who are concerned about funeral costs. We would encourage anyone who loses a baby to check whether they are eligible for financial help from Social Security Scotland."

 

Helping our clients and colleagues

Miscarriage UK’s latest statistics estimate one in four people in the UK experience pregnancy or baby loss. Security Scotland recognises the profound impact this can have and is committed to supporting both clients and colleagues affected by bereavement.

Our teams receive specialist training to handle bereavement cases sensitively, helping people access assistance with dignity during a difficult time. We have also signed Miscarriage UK's Pregnancy Loss Pledge, recognising that every loss matters and reinforcing our commitment to creating a supportive and understanding environment.

 

Our Deputy Director of People and Place, Nicola Rudnicki, said:

“We understand that losing a baby is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. For families looking to apply for support, our teams are specially trained to manage bereavement cases with compassion and respect, meaning our clients can speak to our colleagues knowing they will be treated with dignity.

“We are also proud to have signed Miscarriage UK’s Pregnancy Loss Pledge, recognising that every loss matters and reaffirming our commitment to creating a supportive and understanding environment for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.”

 

How you can help

Help us reach more families by sharing information about these payments through your communications channels and networks.

Download our stakeholder resources, including factsheets and posters, for Funeral Support Payment and Pregnancy and Baby Payment.

 

Background

Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October 2026) brings people together to create a supportive space to share their experiences about pregnancy and baby loss. The awareness week also marks the annual Wave of Light memorial on 15 October where families around the work are invited to light a candle at 7pm in remembrance of all babies that have died too soon.

Sands is the charity speaking up about pregnancy and baby loss, saving babies’ lives and supporting bereaved families.

Miscarriage UK’s latest figures from March 2026 estimate that 1 in 4 pregnancies in the UK end in loss. To find out more about the research, visit: Miscarriage UK research report – March 2026 | Miscarriage UK