Fiona Hyslop Urges Constituents to use Unspent Best Start Food Benefit

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop MSP, is alerting Constituents who receive the Best Start Food Benefit to check their balance as it is revealed that many who have applied have not yet activated their card, meaning they have yet to access vital funds they are entitled to. Letters will be sent to eligible families in West Lothian from Social Security Scotland ahead of Christmas.

The Best Start Food Grant is a Scottish Social Security Benefit for lower income families and is paid to pregnant women or their partners and families who have children aged up to 3 years old. It is part of a wider package of five family payments including: Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment and Scottish Child Payment.

Fiona said,

“It is important that families who need it the most are aware of the support available to them and can access this support easily.

“The Best Start food pre-paid card can be used to help with the cost of milk and healthy foods like fruit, vegetables and eggs as well as first infant formula, but those who get the card need to activate it by calling 0808 196 1687.

“I would encourage my Constituents who are eligible for the Best Start Food Grant to check their card balances and ensure that they are receiving the support they are entitled to, in order to help with their finances over the Christmas and New Year period.”

ENDS