Have you got a baby, a toddler, a young child or a child at school? You could be due £250 from the Best Start Grant.
The Scottish Government has increased the level of financial support available to low income families with children with the launch of its Best Start Grant. You can use this funding for anything from children’s clothes and shoes to toys, books or days out – it is not a loan so does not have to be paid back.
The £250 Best Start Grant (for the Early Learning Payment or School Age payment) is for children aged between two to three and a half, or if your child is due to start school in August.
Delivered by Social Security Scotland, the Best Start Grant, is a package of three payments that gives extra money to parents and carers on certain benefits or tax credits during the early or school-age years of a child’s life.
Am I eligible to apply for the Best Start Grant?
You can apply for the Best Start Grant if:
- you live in Scotland
- whether you are in work or not
- you receive certain benefits (including Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit)
- if you are aged under 18, you are automatically eligible
- if you are age 18 or 19, in full time education or training and dependent on someone else like a parent or carer who is claiming child benefit, child tax credit, pension credit or universal credit for you
How do you apply?
Social Security Scotland are taking applications via their freephone helpline on 0800 182 2222, by post or online at mygov.scot/best-start-grant.
You should receive your grant within 14-21 days. If Social Security Scotland require any more information or supportive evidence it could take longer, but they will contact you regarding this.
Find out more at mygov.scot/best-start-grant.