Today Social Security Scotland opened for new applications for their 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 they’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. They will be taking new applications via their 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, they will contact them directly explaining the changes and inviting them to apply for the new Best Start Food payment. This will allow them to safely introduce the new payment on a phased basis between now and March 2020.
Social Security Scotland have created this 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 them by e-mail at
The above is From Fife Voluntary Action Bulletin 16 August 2019