Parents and carers of school age children are urged to apply now for financial support for children starting primary school.
The deadline for applications for the support – which is worth £319.80 per child – is 28 February.
This funding is intended to help with additional costs for clothes, school trips and stationery.
It is part of the Scottish Government’s Best Start package and is available in Scotland for children born between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021. Applications for funding can be made for more than one child – even if they do not attend school.
Social Security Scotland confirmed that it has paid more than 8,000 School Age Payment claims in Edinburgh since 2018.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Families and carers in Edinburgh should not miss out on support they are entitled to – especially at such an important milestone in a child’s life. School Age Payment helps ease the financial pressures of starting school while playing an important role in our mission to tackle child poverty. I strongly encourage parents and carers to check if they are eligible and apply before the February deadline to make sure their child gets the best start possible.”
To apply for School Age Payment, visit: https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/how-to-apply
There are two types of grant – the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods for people living in Scotland, are pregnant or have a child of eligible age, are the main carer for the child or get certain payments or benefits.
