The deadline for families to apply for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment is 28 February 2023.

This one-off £267.65 payment is currently open to eligible families with a child born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018. It can be used for anything from a warm coat to books and toys.

Parents and carers who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2022 to August 2023, or those home educating, must still apply before the closing date or they will miss their opportunity to access the School Age Payment.

The payment is part of the Best Start Grant, which offers financial support to families who receive certain benefits and tax credits at three key transition points in a child’s early years. Parents and carers who are under 18 do not need to receive any other benefits to be eligible. This is also true for those who are 18 or 19 and dependent on someone else, e.g. someone receives child benefit for them.

Social Security Scotland recognises that applying for benefits can be difficult. To make things easier, they can now automatically make School Age Payments to families who get Scottish Child Payment when their child is the right age.

There are some people who don’t qualify for Scottish Child Payment that could be eligible for the School Age Payment, including those who get housing benefit.

There may be others who choose not to apply for Scottish Child Payment who can still apply for School Age Payment. Some parents and carers have opted out of automatic payments. All of these people are being urged to check if they are eligible for School Age Payment and to apply if they are.

For more information and to apply go to www.mygov.scot/beststart or call Social Security Scotland on their Freephone number 0800 182 2222.