Social Security Scotland provides additional support during Coronavirus pandemic

A lot of individual circumstances have changed as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Social Security Scotland provide a range of benefits ot help support you and your family. You have be eligible for some additional help at this time, including the services highlighted below.

Best Start Grant - Pregnancy and Baby Payment

If you're unable to apply for Pregnancy and Baby Payment due to Covid-19, Social Security Scotland are now accepting applications up until your baby turns one. If you're a kinship carer this has been extended to one year and six months old. 

Parents or carers under the age of 18 are automatically entitled to the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment. People could still be eligible after their 18th birthday if Covid-19 meant that they couldn't get their application in on time. You can apply online for the Pregnancy and Baby Best Start Grant here.

Best Start Grant - Early Learning Payment

If you were unable to apply for Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment due to COVID-19, the Scottish Government are extending eligibility up until your child’s 4^th Birthday. You can apply for the Early Learning Payment here.

Best Start Grant - School Age Payment

Parents or carers under the age of 18 are automatically entitled to Best Start Grant School Age Payment. People could still be eligible after their 18^th birthday if Covid-19 meant that they couldn’t get their application in on time. You can apply for the School Age Payment here.

Young Carer Grant

Social Security Scotland are now accepting applications from young carers who were eligible for Young Carer Grant but unable to apply for it before turning 19 due to COVID-19. You can find out more about the grant and apply here.

Funeral Support Payment

Applications for Funeral Support Payment can be made up to six months after the funeral has taken place. But if you miss this deadline due to COVID-19, Social Security Scotland will still consider applications. For more information and to apply, click here. 

To ensure people can still get support if Covid-19 stops them getting an application in on time, the Scottish Parliament have approved emergency legislation extending eligibility timescales. You can read all about the changes here. 

We hope this information is useful to you. For more information on finances and managing your money, take a look at our Focus on Money Newsletter.