Social Security Scotland’s new Best Start Grant School Age Payment went live yesterday Monday 3 June 2019 for applications on-line and by phone. Please find attached a Q&A factsheet which provides further information.

The payment provides families in Scotland, who are on a low income, with £250 to help with the costs of a child starting school.  People can apply around the time a child normally starts Primary 1 and if they get certain benefits or tax credits.  For this year that means if their child is born on or between 1 March 2014 to 28 Feb 2015.

Applications can be made from 3 June 2019 until 29 February 2020 either:

• online at www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant or
• by Freephone helpline on 0800 182 2222. The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

The Best Start Grant School Age Payment is the third of the Best Start Grant package of payments to families in Scotland who are on a low income to help support their child during their early years. For help to apply for all benefits or entitlements including the Best Start Grants, please contact the Welfare Support Team: telephone 0800 090 1004 or email welfare.support@highland.gov.uk. (Where appropriate home visits can be made).