Social Security Scotland is calling on households, carers and guardians of children born between 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2019, who are in receipt of Universal Credit, Tax Credits or other qualifying benefits, to check their eligibility for a one-off payment of £314.45.
The payment, known as the Best Start Grant School Age Payment, is designed to help households with the expenses associated with getting children ready for school.
Social Security Scotland Encourages Eligible Households to Apply for School Age Payment
People who have opted out of the automatic award or who have not claimed Scottish Child Benefit must apply for School Age Allowance. Eligibility is determined when the child is of primary school age, and claims can be made until 28 February 2025.
When assessing eligibility for Best Start Grant School Age Payment, Social Security Scotland will notify potential recipients by text message.
According to an update on its website, ‘if someone is eligible, we will write to them to inform them that they will receive the payment automatically without having to apply’.
The agency has also clarified that those who need to apply separately are those who receive Housing Benefit but not Scottish Child Payment, and those who have opted out of automatic payments or chosen not to apply for Scottish Child Payment.
New parents, particularly those under the age of 18 or those aged 18-19 who are dependent on someone else and not in receipt of qualifying benefits, must also apply for School Age Payment.
The Best Start School Age Allowance claim period is open until 28 February 2025. Parents or guardians who postpone their child's start of school from August 2024 to August 2025 must still apply before the deadline.
School Age Payment is one of five family benefits available, including Scottish Child Payment, which is now extended to children up to the age of 16. The payment is £26.70 per week and is paid monthly to qualifying parents or guardians.
Eligibility Criteria for Application
If you are under 18, you do not need to be in receipt of a payment or benefit to claim Best Start allowance.
For parents over the age of 18, eligibility for the claim, regardless of employment status, is subject to receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit (with Child Tax Credit for Best Start Foods)
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Remember that child benefit alone does not entitle you to a Best Start grant. Applicants must be in receipt of, or have applied for, one of the above benefits to be eligible.
You may apply online, by telephone, in person or by post. Further information is available in the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods sections of mygov.scot or by contacting Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
