Applications for the School Age Payment delivered by Social Security Scotland opened on Monday 3 June and will remain open to 29 February 2020.

The £250 School Age Payment is for families with a child old enough to start primary school  this August and is part of the Best Start Grant, a package of three payments for families in receipt of eligible benefits – including Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit and tax credits – to help at key stages in a child’s life.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Social Security Secretary in the Scottish Government  said:

“Covering the costs of a child starting school puts pressure on family finances, and we have created this new payment to help ease that burden, putting more money into the pockets of families at a time when they need it most.

“We are committed to doing all we can to make sure Scotland is the best place for a child to grow up.  We want to increase financial support to families, bringing equality to children by giving them help towards a fairer start.

There are 3 one-off cash payments:

1. Pregnancy and Baby Payment
2. Early Learning Payment
3. School Age Payment

You can find out about them and how to apply by clicking on this link: Best Start Grant

The School Age Payment is for eligible parents whose child was born between 1st March 2014 and 28th February 2015. Even if you have deferred school entry for your child you should still apply.