Parents of lockdown babies could be in line for a £600 boost from the Scottish Government.
The new pregnancy and baby payment is to help tackle child poverty, and with July being the month most of Scotland’s babies are born, families are being urged to check if they are eligible.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “If this year mirrors previous trends, many families will be welcoming a newborn into their lives.
“This will be a very exciting time for parents – but it can also be expensive. Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant payments can help ease some of the financial pressure – especially at a time when many people have been hit hard economically by Covid-19. At a busy time for expectant and new mums, we wanted the application to be accessible and straightforward.
“Parents and carers can use the same form to apply for Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods and it only takes an average of 12 minutes for those applying online.”
Parents of a first child will receive £600, and £300 for a second or third child. People can apply by visiting the MyGov website or calling 0800 182 2222.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
