Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) 2025

The Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) is open for applications. Online submission is the easiest and quickest way to apply, and the closing date for submitting 2025 claims is 14th January 2026. It is anticipated that the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme will continue until 2028. However, from 2025, calves will only be eligible for a SSBSS payment if their dam has a calving interval threshold of 410 days or less.

Payment is made on both female and male calves, that are at least 75% beef bred and are born on a Scottish holding and kept there continuously from birth for at least 30 days. Therefore, animals born on or after 2 December 2025 are not eligible until the 2026 scheme year. Claims for the 2026 scheme year can be submitted from 15 January 2026.

When submitting claims there is NO need to check if the dams’ calving interval is less than 410 days. Scottish Government will check the eligibility after the claim has been submitted using ScotEID data. So, ensure that all calves providing they meet the scheme eligibility criteria are claimed for. Calves from the first calving heifers will automatically be eligible for the SSBSS, but second calvers will need to comply with the calving interval threshold to be eligible.

Full scheme guidance can be found here –

https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme/scottish-suckler-beef-support-scheme-full-guidance/

If you have eligible animals, submit your claim now.

Sarah Balfour, SAC Consulting