Financial Support and Advice (Government and other institutions)

Financial Support available to families with young children from Social Security Scotland

Please find below a message from Social Security Scotland:

We thought it may be of interest to the parents/carers of the children you care for to provide some information on the financial support available to families with young children.

The new Scottish Child Payment (£40 every four weeks for eligible children under six) starts on 15 February and we are encouraging parents to apply now.

https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment

For those eligible for the £250 Best Start Grant School Age Payment we are reminding parents that the current application window – for children born between March 1, 2015 and February 29, 2016 – will close on 28 February even for those who have deferred entry.

There are also the Pregnancy and Baby Payment and Early Learning Payment that may also be relevant for to some of your families.

https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods

Scottish Government Payments:

• Early Learning Payment £250 help for eligible families with a child between 2 and 3½ years

• Pregnancy and Baby Payment £600 for first child or £300 help for eligible families with cost of pregnancy or having a new child

• Food Payment £17 every four weeks for eligible families during pregnancy and for every child under three to spend on healthy foods.

To find out the support you may be eligible for visit http://www.mygov.scot/beststart or call 0800 182 2222

Scottish Welfare fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes.

Scottish Welfare Fund via  SBC website link.

Further help with money problems

You can also get general advice for your money problems from (websites links): 

· Money Talk Team – get help to make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to and advice to help you make the most of your money 

· Scotland’s Financial Health Service – find information and advice on debt, managing money, housing, homelessness and ethical lending 

· National Debtline – get free, confidential and independent debt advice on 0808 808 4000

· Citizens Advice Scotland – visit your nearest bureau to speak to somebody face-to-face, or call 0845 450 0351 

· Shelter Scotland – call the free helpline for housing advice on 0808 800 4444 

· Money Advice Scotland – find details of agencies that give independent financial adviceFree School Meals and Clothing Grant via SBC.