voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Changes to Best Start Grant School Age Payment
Created: 01/06/2023Social Security Scotland have recently announced that Best Start Grant School Age Payment will be paid from Thursday 01 June 2023.
Parents, carers and guardians who get Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits and who have a child born between 01 March 2018 and 28 February 2019 are being urged to check whether they should apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment or if they now get the payment automatically.
Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a payment of £294.70 per child that helps with the costs of preparing for school. Applicants are eligible at the point their child is first old enough to start primary school. It is part of the five family payments people may be able to get, along with Scottish Child Payment.
If someone is already getting Scottish Child Payment and they are eligible for Best Start Grant School Age Payment, this will be paid automatically when their child is first old enough to start primary school.
Social Security Scotland will notify clients by text message when checking eligibility for the Best Start Grants and, if someone is eligible, will write to advise them of the payment.
However, a small number of people who receive Housing Benefit are eligible for School Age Payment but not Scottish Child Payment. They must apply for School Age Payment from 01 June 2023 before the window closes on 29 February 2024.
Similarly, those who have chosen not to apply for Scottish Child Payment, and those who have opted out of automatic payments, should apply for School Age Payment from 01 June 2023.
If you work with people who may be eligible, please help promote Best Start Grant School Age
Payment by sharing across your networks and channels.
Parents, carers and guardians can get more information and apply at mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.