Deadline approaches for £250 Best Start Grant School Age Payment for children in Scotland
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Parents and carers of eligible children have less than a week left to apply for a school age payment of more than £250.
The deadline for applications to the Best Start Grant School Age Payment is Monday, February 28.
The school age payment is a grant of £252.50 per child and supports people on tax credits and certain benefits with children around the time they are old enough to start school.
The money can be used at this key stage in a child’s life to help pay for clothes, equipment, bags, books or anything else that is helpful for people caring for children in that age range.
It is currently open to those receiving certain benefits with children born between March 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017.
Parents who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2021 to August 2022, or those home educating, must still apply before the February 28 closing date.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “If your child is five years old or turning five this month, and you are on certain benefits including Universal Credit or tax credits, then you could be eligible for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment.
“The Scottish Government wants everyone to get the financial support they are entitled to, and so I would encourage everyone eligible to apply before the deadline, or if you’re not sure if you’re eligible please contact Social Security Scotland to find out more.
“This is the third year of our School Age Payments and I have heard from parents about how they have used the money to, for example, get necessary supplies for starting school or sign up a child for a sports club or class.
“This money is part of the package of five family benefits we offer to help parents and carers balance their budgets.”
The qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
Ann Baldock, from One Parent Families Scotland, added: “At One Parent Families Scotland we recognise the importance of families having extra money in their pockets at a time when they might need it most.
"We would like to encourage families who might be eligible for School Age Payment to contact Social Security Scotland before the deadline next Monday to find out more and ensure they don’t miss out.”
Further information can be found at mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods or by calling 0800 182 2222.
