Families urged to apply for School Age Payment
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Eligible families in the Highlands are being encouraged to apply for the School Age Payment before applications close at the end of this month.
The one-off £250 payment from Social Security Scotland is open for families with a child born between March 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015. It can be used for anything from educational toys to travel, or after-school activities.
Parents who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2019 to August 2020, or those home schooling, can still apply before the closing date on February 29. If an application is made after this time it will be too late.
The payment 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.
Scotland's social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We’ve had great take-up for the School Age Payment since it launched last June with almost 20,000 applications in the three months between June and September.
"We want to reach as many people as possible so are using this campaign to raise further awareness of the School Age Payment to encourage eligible families who have not applied to get their applications in before the end of this month.
“Covering the costs of a child starting school can put pressure on family finances. The School Age Payment is there for those who need financial support at this key milestone in their child’s life.
“Making sure that everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to is a clear example of how we are doing things differently, putting dignity, fairness and respect at the heart of our new service.”
Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply.
