Financial support available for parents affected by baby loss

The loss of a baby is one of the hardest and most heart-breaking experiences someone can go through. Money worries on top of this grief and loss can make the experience even harder.

Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is a payment of up to £754.65. Parents of a baby who was stillborn or who died within six months of birth could be eligible to receive the payment. Parents whose baby was born alive before 24 weeks of pregnancy and later died can apply from the date their child was born. Otherwise, applications can be made from 24 weeks of pregnancy. Applications can be made up until six months after the baby’s birth date.

Parents and carers can also apply for Funeral Support Payment to help with the costs of paying for a funeral, including flowers and travel costs. This includes for stillborn babies 
and babies who were born alive before 24 weeks of pregnancy and later died.

Parents who have experienced baby loss were involved in the design of these payments to make sure they meet their needs and are sensitive to their circumstances.

People in receipt of Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits could be eligible for both payments. Parents who are under 18 or who are 18 or 19 and dependant on someone else can apply for Best Start Pregnancy and Baby Payment without the need to get qualifying benefits.

Social Security Scotland have a specialist bereavement team of experienced and compassionate advisers to help people understand the payments available to them and can help them through the application process at this difficult time.

You can find out more and how to apply on their website at Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment and Funeral Support Payment or call free on 0800 182 2222

Join us and many others around the world, who will be lighting a candle to remember all of the lives of babies' gone to soon. The Wave of Light will be on Tuesday 15 October at 7pm.