Who is eligibile?

The payment will see eligible applicants receive £600 for their first child, £100 more than the DWP Sure Start Maternity Grant it replaces.

This payment also provides £300 for all subsequent children – meaning there is no cap on the number of children it supports, unlike the current UK Government equivalent.

In addition to the Pregnancy and Baby Payment, by summer 2019, two additional early years payments will be introduced.

The first £250 payment will be made around the time a child starts nursery, to help with the costs of early learning and a further £250 when they start school.

Social Security Secretary, Shirley-anne Somerville said: “I am delighted we will be delivering the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment earlier than originally planned, providing low-income families with increased financial support.

“I am particularly pleased, that by not capping children, babies born in the last six months who already have a big brother or sister, and had no support from the UK Government because they were not the first child, will be eligible to get their payment.

“With the Early Learning and School Age Payments this means that for a two child

This benefit will be wholly delivered by Social Security Scotland.

Parents/carers will be eligible if they are the mother of the child, her partner, or have a young mother dependent on them, and get certain qualifying benefits.

Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

You do not have to be on a qualifying benefit if you are under 18 or are 18 or 19 and in full time education and still dependent on your parent or carer.

Most people will be able to apply for a payment without sending any evidence as, with permission, we will check DWP systems and Baby Box data. ‘P‘isthemumofanewbornwholivesinedinburgh.

I think it’s a fantastic idea and will really help families with young children that are struggling.

We’re fortunate enough to live in a country that supports families in need, so when you’re not as fortunate or are in a hard situation, you need to take advantage of what’s available so that your children can flourish.

I plan on applying online, as the fund will help me take care of my two young boys, a three year old and a newborn. The fund will go towards getting furniture for my eldest son’s bedroom so he has somewhere comfortable to sleep and play.

It’s important at this stage of his development for him to feel a little more independent and have somewhere he can explore and call his own, and also not be disturbed by our newborn baby when he’s sleeping.

This will make a huge difference to our lives and quality of living.

Our focus is on supporting people on low incomes