EXPECTANT and new parents locally and across Scotland can now apply for the new Best Start Grant, Pregnancy and Baby Payment. The new benefit offers eligible low income parents or carers £600 for their first child, which equates to£100 more than the DWP Sure Start Maternity Grant it replaces. It also provides £300 for all subsequent children – meaning there is no cap on the number of children supported, unlike the current UK Government equivalent. Those eligible who have had another child recently can also apply. Cabinet secretary for social security and older people Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “If you are about to or have recently had a baby I would encourage you to check if you are eligible and apply. “The Best Start Grant is different from the previous UK Government scheme.
There is no cap on the number of children it can support, meaning babies born in the last six months who already have a big brother or sister will now be eligible for a payment, and the eligibility and window
application have also been increased. “This extra money could make a real difference for you and your baby at what is a wonderful time but one that I know can also be expensive.”