New Edinburgh parents can claim £600 Scottish Government grant

A new grant has bene unveiled by the Scottish Government which means parents and carers of newborn babies can claim £600 for free.

The grant will mean that eligible families will receive a payment of £600 for their first child, with £300 paid for the second and all subsequent children.

Individuals who receive the payment will be able to choose how to spend the money.

The government say that the money is intended to be used for things that new parents need, like baby clothes or a pram.

The application window has also been extended under the new system, up from 24 weeks pregnant to six months after the birth, giving clients longer to apply.

If you’re not the birth mother, you can apply if you’re living with the birth mother and the two of you are a couple, married or civil partners.

If you’re over 18, you can apply for the payment regardless of whether you are in work and regardless of your income.

But you must be getting one of the following: Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) - not ‘contribution based’ JSA and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - not ‘contribution based’ ESA.

Alison Johnstone MSP, the Scottish Greens’ social security spokeswoman, welcomed the introduction of the new payment.

“Greens have played a key role in helping to set up the new social security system, ensuring that the reduction of poverty is one of the guiding principles.”

“That’s why it is great that this first new payment is launching as it will help families on lower incomes with the cost of raising a new child.

She added: “I am also pleased that the heinous child cap is being removed and the payment can be made in respect of more than one child.

“We do need to look carefully at ensuring that everyone who is entitled can claim Best Start.”

Anyone who is eligible to apply can visit the Scottish Government website and fill out the online form.Alternatively, they can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222

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