Best Start Food Payments new information

Posted on 9 September 2019

Best Start Food Payments new information:

Today we opened for new applications for our Best Start Food payment, which replaces the UK Government’s Healthy Start Vouchers in Scotland. Best Start Foods provides low income families on certain benefits with £17.00 every four weeks during pregnancy and for every child under three to spend on a range of healthy foods.  This payment increases to £34.00 for children under one.

To provide a more convenient and flexible way of buying healthy foods we’ve replaced the previous paper vouchers with a new payment card. The new card can be used in most shops selling food that take card payments.  We will be taking new applications via our freephone helpline on 0800 182 2222, by post and online at mygov.scot.

People already receiving Healthy Start Vouchers will continue to do so at this stage. When it is time for them to migrate to Best Start Foods, we will contact them directly explaining the changes and inviting them to apply for the new Best Start Food payment. This will allow us to safely introduce the new payment on a phased basis between now and March 2020.

We want to make sure that people are aware of the Best Start Food payment and changes being introduced so would appreciate any help you can provide in raising awareness of the payment through your organisation and networks. To help with this we’ve created a factsheet that provides details on how to apply and the eligibility criteria.

If you would like any further information or have any questions on the benefits that Social Security Scotland delivers please contact us by email at localdelivery@socialsecurity.gov.scot. Our national Engagement Team and Local Delivery Relationship Leads are also available to attend your events, meetings or staff training to provide more information, should that be helpful.