Families urged to apply for £250 grant to help with school costs

Families across Scotland have been urged to apply for a payment designed to help with the costs of preparing a child for school.

The one-off payment of £252.50 is available to eligible families when a child is old enough to start primary school.

It can be used to buy everyday supplies such as a new pair of shoes, books and school bags.

Applications for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment are currently open for children born between March 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017.

Parents or carers have until February 28, 2022 to apply.

The payment is part of a package of five family payments which is being administered by Social Security Scotland.

Social security minister Ben Macpherson said that the Scottish Government is keen to ensure that parents and carers receive all the financial support they can apply for.

“As children enter education for the first time, it is vital that the youngest people in our society get what they need to thrive,” he said.

“Whether it be a new pair of shoes or books or paints for an art project, the Scottish Government is committed to providing extra help to give every child the best start in life.

“We know that covering the costs of starting school can be difficult. So, I am urging families who may be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more.

“Even if you are deferring your child’s start date until next year or home schooling, please remember to apply before the closing date.

“We are keen to ensure parents and carers receive all the financial support they can apply for, such as a school clothing grant and free school meals.”

Macpherson also outlined the importance of the social security system in being “fair and straightforward” to access.

He continued: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people are supported and encouraged to access all of the benefits they are entitled to, and will invest in new partnerships between schools and advice services to help expand these vital links for families.

“I am proud that we are already delivering a social security system that is there for people when and where they need it, that is fair and straightforward to access, and that encourages and supports people to get the financial support they are entitled to.”