Nobody should ever have to worry about money. To support the wellbeing of all our children we would like to direct parents to the various financial supports that are out there. For some this could be support with getting school uniform, others it could be support for free school meals.

The Scottish Government also have a variety of different financial support for families in Scotland that few people are aware of. Some of these include the Best Start Grant and more recently the Scottish Child Payment.

Not everyone will be entitled to the extra financial support, but we would like to signpost you in the right direction so if you need for when you need it.

Scottish Child Payment

A payment of £40 every 4 weeks for each eligible child under the age of 6. More information available at https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment

Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment

A £606 payment for a first child and £303 for other children. Plus an extra £303 if you have a multiple birth. You can apply from 24 weeks of pregnancy until your baby is 6 months old. More information available at https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods

Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment

A £252.50 payment when a child is between the ages of 2 and 3.5 years. You can still apply if your child is not taking up a place at nursery. More information available at https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods

Best Start Grant School Age Payment

A £252.50 payment to help eligible families with the costs of starting school. More information available at https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods

Best Start Foods

Money every 4 weeks on a pre-paid card from pregnancy until your child is 3 years old. More information available at https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods

Scottish Welfare Fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes. You can apply for a:

• Crisis Grant – if you’re in crisis because of a disaster (like a fire or flood), or an emergency (like losing your money or job, or an unexpected expense)

• Self-Isolation Support Grant – if you’ve been asked to self-isolate by Test and Protect because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and will lose income as a result

• Community Care Grant – to help you or someone you care for to start to live, or to carry on living, a settled life in the community

A variety of other benefits and grants can be found at https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits  where there is information related to child benefit and tax credits.