Best Start Foods
Social Security Scotland introduced Best Start Foods which replaced the UK Healthy Start vouchers in Scotland in August 2019.
Best Start Foods is part of the family of five payments that are offered by Social Security Scotland along with Scottish Child Payment. The other payments include: Best Start Grant, which comprises three one-off payments:
Find out if you can claim Best Start Foods by meeting the criteria set out by Social Security Scotland.
What is the Best Start Foods Grant?
Best Start Foods is a separate payment from the other Best Start Grants as it is a prepaid card designed to help parents buy healthy food for their children such as milk or fruit.
The prepaid card can be used both in shops and online, and can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard. You can check your balance at ATMs but cannot withdraw cash using the card. There is no earnings threshold as there is for school meals.
General criteria for qualifying for the Best Start Foods Grant
When it comes to qualifying for the Best Food Grant criteria you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You have a child under the age of three
- You are pregnant
- You or your partner are receiving certain benefits or tax credits
The amount of money that you will receive on your prepaid card will depend on a few factors such as how old your child is or how far along in your pregnancy you are.
It is important to note that you cannot claim Best Start Foods if you only receive Child Benefit.
How much is the Best Start Foods Grant payment rates?
The Best Start Foods Grant is paid every four weeks during pregnancy and until your child is 3 years old. The payment amount is the same whether you’re pregnant with one baby, or if you’re having twins or triplets. The amount you will get will depend on whether you are pregnant, or the age of your child. You can find the specific amounts you will get on the mygov.scot page.
The specific rate that you are entitled to will be added to your Best Start Foods card each month once your application is approved by Social Security Scotland.
If you lose your card or it’s stolen or damaged, call allpay on 0808 196 1687. They will cancel your card and send you a new one. This will not cost you anything or affect your payments.
How do I apply for Best Start Foods?
You can apply for Best Start Foods as soon as you know you're pregnant, or up until your child turns 3 years old. If you are looking to apply for Best Start Grants, you can apply for any of the grants by either filling out the form online, over the phone or via the post. It will be one form for all of the Best Start Grants. You can apply for each grant separately, or together on the same form.
To be eligible to apply online you will need to have a permanent address, be over the age of 18, have a bank account and apply for your own application.
If you want to apply via phone, you can call Social Security Scotland for free on: 0800 182 2222.
When applying you should have the following information readily available so that you can complete the application:
- Your name, date of birth and address
- National Insurance Number
- Bank, Credit Union, or Building Society Account Details
- If you have a partner, their name and date of birth
- Details of any children you have or care for
If you have been asked to send any documents to Social Security Scotland, you can do this by either uploading documents online or sending them in the post. You can request a pre-paid envelope by calling Social Security Scotland on: 0800 182 2222.
Can I Receive Best Start Foods if I have no access to Public Funds?
You may still be able to get Best Start Foods even if you do not have access to public funds. However, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You are responsible for at least one child under three who is a British Citizen
- Your family income is £1,792.71 or less a month after tax for a single adult, or £2,121.02 or less a month after tax for a couple
- You are not able to claim public funds due to your immigration status
- You have an address in Scotland
When informing Social Security Scotland on your immigration status you may be asked to supply some supporting information on your immigration status, child’s citizenship, and your family income. To find out more information visit: mygov.scot website.
When will I know if my application has been successful?
After you apply for the Best Start Food Grant if you have requested an email or text message Social Security Scotland will get in touch with you via your chosen method once they have received your form.
Social Security Scotland will send you a letter to inform you if your application has been successful within 30 days of receiving your application. You can expect to receive one letter for Best Start Foods and another for the Best Start Grant if you apply for this grant.
If my application is successful, when will I receive my Best Start Foods card?
If Social Security Scotland have decided to award you with Best Start Foods, then you will be sent a Best Start Foods letter to inform you of this decision.
You will receive your Best Start Foods card within six weeks of receiving your award letter.
