On this page

Who can get Best Start foods

You can get a Best Start foods pre-paid payment card from the start of pregnancy until the child’s third birthday. 

You qualify if you are pregnant, or responsible for a child under three and you or your partner get any of the following:

  • universal credit in either of the last two complete monthly assessment periods
  • housing benefit
  • income support
  • income-based jobseeker's allowance
  • income-related employment and support allowance
  • pension credit

If you stop being entitled to a qualifying benefit, you continue to get Best Start foods for a further eight weeks.

Only one person can get Best Start foods payment card in respect of a particular child.

You qualify if you are under 18 and pregnant, even if you don't get a qualifying benefit. You must meet residence conditions as for the Best Start grant. You continue to qualify until the end of your pregnancy if you turn 18 during pregnancy, or until your child's first birthday if you turn 18 while responsible for the baby. You can also qualify if you are aged 18/19 and a dependent in someone else's benefit claim. You are a dependent if the person who cares for you gets:

  • child benefit
  • universal credit
  • pension credit

You must still be included in their claim, for example as you are under 19 and still at school.

You can also receive Best Start foods on an 'ex-gratia' basis if you are responsible for a child under three, you have no recourse to public funds due to your immigration status and your income after tax is no more than a level set by the Scottish government. This level depends on your circumstances. Read about the income levels on mygov.scot.

How much do you get

The Best Start foods payment card is credited with £5.40 a week, or £10.80 for a child under one. The card can be used to pay for milk, fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables, pulses and eggs.

Claiming Best Start foods

To claim you can:

  • phone Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222
  • claim online at mygov.scot
  • download a paper claim form from mygov.scot

If you qualify for Best Start foods, you will also be eligible for a Best Start grant.

Healthy Start vitamins

If you are entitled to Best Start foods, you can also receive free Healthy Start vitamins which are distributed by regional health boards in Scotland - ask your health visitor, midwife or GP.

More information

Read the Best Start foods regulations on legislation.gov.uk.