Families across Scotland are being encouraged to ensure they are not missing out on financial help during the school summer holidays, one of the most expensive times of the year. With schools closing for six weeks, households face higher spending on food, childcare, clothing and activities, especially with energy bills set to rise by 13 per cent on July 1.
Scottish Child Payment
The Scottish Government is reminding parents that a range of support is available. Scottish Child Payment provides £28.20 every week (£112.80 every four weeks) for each eligible child under the age of 16. The payment is available to families receiving certain qualifying benefits and is designed to help with the cost of raising children. Parents who think they may be eligible but have not yet applied are being encouraged to check their entitlement as soon as possible.
Best Start Foods and Best Start Grants
Families with young children may also qualify for Best Start Foods, which provides a prepaid card to help buy healthy foods such as milk, fruit, vegetables and pulses during pregnancy or while a child is under the age of three. The weekly payment rates are: higher rate £11.20, lower rate £5.60. Parents could also receive help through the Best Start Grant, which includes payments at key stages of a child's early life: the Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment. Together with Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods, the Scottish Government says eligible families could receive support worth around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16.
School holiday support through local councils
The Scottish Government provides £21.75 million each year to councils to support households eligible for free school meals during the school holidays. Support varies between local authorities but can include cash payments, vouchers or other assistance. Families do not have to wait until schools return and can contact their local council to check what help is available.
Scotland's Summer of Sport and Home-Start
Children and young people can also take part in free or low-cost activities through Scotland's Summer of Sport programme, backed by a £20 million investment. Activities include football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics, delivered through schools, sports clubs, governing bodies and local authorities. Families who need additional help can also contact Home-Start, which offers practical and emotional support to parents with young children through trained volunteers, including one-to-one assistance and group sessions.
Parents can find more information about each of the schemes, including eligibility rules and how to apply, through Social Security Scotland, MYGOV.SCOT and their local council.
