Parents across Scotland are being urged to apply for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment, a one-off payment of £339.65 to help cover the costs of preparing a child for primary school. Applications opened on June 1 and are available for families with children born between March 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 who meet the qualifying criteria.
Who is eligible for the payment?
The School Age Payment is part of the Best Start Grant package administered by Social Security Scotland. It is designed to help families with the additional costs that arise when a child starts primary one, such as school uniforms, shoes, clothing, bags, lunches, learning materials, or other essentials. Families can use the payment however they choose.
Eligible families must be receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance. The payment is worth £339.65 per eligible child.
Automatic payments for some families
Social Security Scotland has confirmed that some households do not need to apply. Families already receiving Scottish Child Payment who are eligible for School Age Payment should receive the money automatically. Parents who are planning to defer their child's school start date can still qualify, and children who will not attend school may also be eligible.
Applications are open until February 28, 2027. Families are reminded that they do not need to wait until their child actually starts school before applying. The latest application round is expected to provide financial support to thousands of families across Scotland as children prepare to begin primary education over the coming year.
