Social Security Scotland is highlighting the financial support available to families facing the distress of baby loss during Baby Loss Awareness Week. The initiative aims to alleviate some of the practical costs and pressures associated with this challenging experience.
Families receiving qualifying benefits may be eligible for additional payments following a stillbirth or the death of a baby after birth. These include the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, worth £796.65 for a first baby and £398.35 for families with older children, which can be used for any necessary items. Applications can be made from the 24th week of pregnancy up to six months after the baby’s birth date, or up to six months after the birth date if the baby was born before 24 weeks.
Additionally, the Funeral Support Payment can assist with funeral costs. In Scotland, local authorities cover burial or cremation expenses for babies, children, and young people aged 17 and under. This payment can also contribute towards other costs such as the service or transport.
These payments are intended to reduce financial worries, enabling parents and carers to focus on their well-being and their loved ones. Rowena Pailing, Director of Bereavement Support Services at Sands, commented, "Baby loss has a huge emotional impact. It can also have a financial impact. At Sands, we hear from families who may be struggling because of their employment situations, or who are concerned about funeral costs. We would encourage anyone who loses a baby to check whether they are eligible for financial help from Social Security Scotland."
Miscarriage UK’s statistics indicate that approximately one in four people in the UK experience pregnancy or baby loss. Social Security Scotland acknowledges the profound impact this can have and is committed to supporting both clients and colleagues affected by bereavement. Their teams receive specialist training to handle bereavement cases sensitively, ensuring clients receive assistance with dignity. The organisation has also signed Miscarriage UK's Pregnancy Loss Pledge, underscoring their commitment to a supportive environment.
Nicola Rudnicki, Deputy Director of People and Place, stated, “We understand that losing a baby is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. For families looking to apply for support, our teams are specially trained to manage bereavement cases with compassion and respect, meaning our clients can speak to our colleagues knowing they will be treated with dignity. We are also proud to have signed Miscarriage UK’s Pregnancy Loss Pledge, recognising that every loss matters and reaffirming our commitment to creating a supportive and understanding environment for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.”
The public is encouraged to help by sharing information about these payments through their communication channels and networks. Stakeholder resources, including factsheets and posters for the Funeral Support Payment and Pregnancy and Baby Payment, are available for download.
Baby Loss Awareness Week runs from 9 to 15 October 2026, bringing people together to share experiences. It culminates in the annual Wave of Light memorial on 15 October, where families worldwide are invited to light a candle at 7pm in remembrance of babies lost too soon. Sands is a charity dedicated to speaking up about pregnancy and baby loss, saving babies' lives, and supporting bereaved families. Miscarriage UK's March 2026 figures estimate that 1 in 4 pregnancies in the UK end in loss.
