Having a baby
Expecting a baby in Scotland? You may qualify for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment, a one-time payment of £754.65 (£767.50 from April 2025) for your first child and £377.35 (£383.75 from April 2025) for subsequent children to help you prepare for the arrival. To be eligible, you must be receiving certain benefits or tax credits, or have a household income below a certain threshold. For more information and to apply, see below.
This information answers some of the questions you may have if you are pregnant or have just had a baby .
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Money when you are expecting, or have just had, a baby
What benefits and other money you’ll have to live on when you are pregnant or have just had a baby, depends on your circumstances before and after pregnancy.
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Time off work when pregnant or just had a baby
You may get time off work called maternity leave when you are pregnant or have just had a baby. When you can take maternity leave, how long it is and who can get it is described here.
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Best Start Grant, Best Start Foods and the Baby Box
The Scottish Government has introduced a new grant to help with the costs of a new baby called the Best Start Grant.
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Important dates
Dates to keep in mind for working out maternity leave and pay.
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Who can make decisions about children?
There are many decisions you make about your children on a day to day basis as a parent.
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Useful contacts
Useful contact information for those who are expecting or have recently had a baby.