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Benefits, Children, Money

What benefits can I get for my new baby?

I am only getting Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for myself and Child Benefit for my new baby. Is there anything else I can get?

If you are getting contribution based or new style ESA (because you were working before you claimed it) you can claim Universal Credit (UC) for your baby. UC also provides help towards rent so if you are getting Housing Benefit when you apply for UC it will stop.

If you are getting income based ESA (because you have no other income and were not working before you applied) you can apply for UC for yourself, your son and for help with rent. Once you apply for UC your ESA and Housing benefit will stop.

See more information on UC.

As well as UC you may get Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant.

Scottish Child Payment is £26.70 per week, for children whose parents get certain benefits including UC. The Scottish Government has introduced the Best Start Grant to help with the costs of a new baby. This has replaced the Sure Start Maternity Grant which is no longer available in Scotland.

You are also entitled to Child Maintenance and can apply to the Council for help with Council Tax.

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