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Best Start Grant provides three separate one-off payments to families at key milestones during a child's early years: during pregnancy or after birth, when the child is 2–3½ years old, and when they start school.
Amount
See details
Frequency
One-off
Annual value
One-off
Administered by
Soc. Sec. Scotland
2026/27 Rate
See details
Administered by
Social Security Scotland
Paid one-off
Best Start Grant provides three separate one-off payments to families at key milestones during a child's early years: during pregnancy or after birth, when the child is 2–3½ years old, and when they start school. You must be receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit to be eligible. Each payment must be claimed within specific windows.
| Last updated | April 2026 |
England's Sure Start Maternity Grant (£500 one-off, first child only if no other children under 16) is the closest equivalent — significantly less generous and only available for first children in most cases. The Early Learning and School Age payments have no England equivalent.
Apply online at mygov.scot, by calling the freephone number 0800 182 2222, or by requesting a paper application form. Social Security Scotland aims to process most applications within 10 working days.
Each of the three payments is a one-off lump sum paid directly into your bank account after your application is approved. Apply as soon as you are eligible — there are strict time windows for each payment.
Best Start Grant is See details in 2026/27 following a 3.8% CPI uplift from April 2026. This is a one-off payment, not a recurring benefit.
Best Start Grant is administered by Social Security Scotland. You can apply online at mygov.scot, by phone on 0800 182 2222, or by requesting a paper form.
England's Sure Start Maternity Grant (£500 one-off, first child only if no other children under 16) is the closest equivalent — significantly less generous and only available for first children in most cases. The Early Learning and School Age payments have no England equivalent.
Each of the three payments is a one-off lump sum paid directly into your bank account after your application is approved. Apply as soon as you are eligible — there are strict time windows for each payment.
Use our Benefits Checker to see all Scottish benefits you may qualify for based on your income, family situation, and health needs.
Rates shown are for 2026/27 following the 3.8% CPI uplift from April 2026. Eligibility rules and payment amounts are subject to change. Always verify current rates and eligibility with Social Security Scotland (mygov.scot) or by calling 0800 182 2222. MoneySCOT is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with Social Security Scotland or the Scottish Government.