Any parents living in Scotland can apply for a grant worth £267.65 to help with the costs of starting school , as long as you’re already claiming tax credits or certain other benefits.
The Best Start School Age Payment is available to help with what is always an expensive part of any parent’s life and none more so than this year giving the cost of living crisis the country is experiencing. There is no limit on the number of children in a household who are eligible to receive this payment and applications for the grant can be made between now and February 28, 2023.
Social Security Scotland say that the grant offers “money to help at a key stage in a child’s life and can be used for anything from a new pair of shoes to books or arts and crafts materials”. Parents who plan on homeschooling their children can also apply for the benefit.
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Eligibility for getting the Best Start School Age Payment in Scotland
Anyone who receives any of the following is eligible to apply for the grant to help with funding a child starting school:
Universal Credit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Pension Credit
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
It should be noted that you cannot claim the Best Start School Age Payment if you are only receiving child benefits and none of the above apply to your circumstances. You must also be living in Scotland to be eligible for the £267.65 once-off payment.
If you’re not currently receiving any of the benefits listed above but have recently applied to receive one, you should still apply to get the Best Start School Age Payment. For more information please visit mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
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